Boy shot as robbers storm tuckshop operator’s home in night raid
Gang snatches $3,200 after holding family hostage
By Auther Chimbgwa
A 16-year-old boy was shot and injured when armed robbers stormed a tuckshop operator’s Harare home on Monday night to snatch US$3,200 cash.
Brendon Mupinyuri panicked when the armed gang held the family hostage while demanding cash from his parents at a family home in Phase 4, Eastview, Harare.
Police spokesperson for Harare Province Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the robbery incident at businessman Ngoni Mupinyuri’s home. Mupinyuri runs several tuckshops in the Gazebo area.
“On 15 December 2025, at around 10 pm, Mupinyuri arrived at his home from work and he discovered one of the suspects standing near his gate, but he did not talk to him,” said Chakanza in a statement.
“He entered the gate, parked his vehicle and closed it.
“He had cash from daily sales.
“He proceeded to the main door and suddenly, two suspects who were armed with unknown types of pistols appeared from behind his house whilst pointing their firearms at him.”
The suspects frog-marched Mupinyuri into the kitchen where his wife was.
They then demanded cash whilst searching his trousers’ pockets from which they took US$2,800.
The gang continued demanding some more cash whilst threatening to kidnap Mupinyuri’s youngest son if he failed to surrender the money.
Out of fear, Mupinyuri instructed his wife to give them some more cash and she surrendered a further US$400.
The suspects also force-marched Mupinyuri into the dining room where his three children sat.
Mupinyuri’s children ran into the toilet for safety but Brendon was hit on the left arm by one of the shots fired at the panicking children and was left bleeding.
The gang then left but not before firing another shot in the air when they exited the gate.
One spent cartridge was recovered outside the house.
Brendon was referred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for treatment. His condition was said to be stable.
The total value stolen was US$3,200 and nothing was recovered.
Police said they have opened an investigation into the matter.
