Published: 31 August 2025

An Econet employee allegedly orchestrated a robbery at his own workplace, teaming up with his brother-in-law and three other accomplices to steal cash and property valued at US$62 000.

Elias Mutonya (39), stationed at Econet’s Mvurwi branch, appeared in court alongside co-accused Tafadzwa Mukanha (24), Munyaradzi Mucherahodzi (29), and Edson Murambidzi (34). Mutonya’s brother-in-law, Rashid Adam Chipanga, remains at large.

Magistrate Amos Mbobo remanded the four suspects in custody until September 12.

According to the state, represented by Clever Nyapfani, the plot was hatched in May 2025. Mutonya allegedly informed Chipanga about large amounts of cash stored at the Mvurwi branch, prompting the latter to recruit the other three co-accused.

On May 8, around 6:30pm, the group is said to have stormed the branch. They allegedly threatened a security guard with a 38-inch special revolver, tied him with tyre cables, and forced open the door.

The suspects reportedly made off with US$55 000 in cash, 32 boxed cellphones, two Wi-Fi routers, and a black ThinkPad laptop.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities appealing for information on the whereabouts of Chipanga.
- the standard

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