Minister Kirsty Coventry’s parents robbed of US$90,000 and 3 guns in Glen Lorne raid, days after ex-Minister Patrick Chinamasa was also robbed

Harare – The home of Robert Edwin and Lyn Coventry, parents of Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry, was targeted by armed robbers on Monday night in Glen Lorne, resulting in the loss of US$90,000 in cash and valuables, including three hunting firearms.

The incident comes just weeks after former Justice and Legal Affairs minister Patrick Chinamasa’s farm was also raided, raising concerns about a surge in violent crime targeting prominent figures and their families.

According to reports, two men armed with unknown objects gained entry to the Coventrys’ residence and proceeded to tie up Robert and Lyn using shoelaces. The robbers then ransacked the entire house, making off with US$15,000 in cash, jewellery valued at US$60,000, three hair driers, Olympic clothing, travelling bags, hearing aids valued at US$5,000, and the three hunting firearms. Notably, the thieves also managed to steal Minister Kirsty Coventry’s Olympic clothing, adding insult to injury.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police have yet to release an official statement regarding the Coventry robbery, and investigations are reportedly underway. The lack of immediate comment from law enforcement has fuelled public anxiety and speculation about the security situation in affluent Harare suburbs.

The incident follows a similar robbery at Tsukumai Farm, owned by former Justice and Legal Affairs minister and ZANU PF Secretary for Legal Affairs, Cde Patrick Antony Chinamasa, in Headlands last month.

On the night of February 9, 2025, a group of suspected robbers, believed to be travelling in a white Toyota Wish vehicle, stormed the farm. Their brazen act resulted in the theft of a brand-new Mazda BT-50 double cab, a pistol, and various kitchen utensils.

At the time of the robbery, Cde Chinamasa and his family were not present at the farm. The robbers initially subdued the security officer stationed at the entrance to the main farmhouse before turning their attention to the farm manager.

According to Mrs Chinamasa, the robbers’ primary objective appeared to be the acquisition of money. “The robbers were four when they stormed my house at the farm. They tied the hands of the farm manager and security guard who was manning the entrance gate,” she recounted.

“They force-marched them into the house and covered them with blankets. They ran ransacked the house, turning everything upside down, looking for money, which fortunately was not there. There was no place or room they left unturned, be they beds and sofas, they were all turned upside down.”

Frustrated in their search for cash, the robbers made off with a blue Mazda BT-50 double cab, which was yet to be registered and had only travelled 12 000km. “They took the car keys of my brand new Mazda BT-50, blue in colour, which we were yet to register. It had only travelled for 12 000km,” Mrs Chinamasa explained.

In addition to the vehicle, the robbers also stole a firearm from a secure location within the house. “They also took a pistol from the gun cabinet, a box of cocking oil and set of kitchen knives. It was more of the money which they wanted,” she said.

Days later, the brand-new stolen vehicle was found dumped in Murehwa, offering a small measure of relief to the Chinamasa family.

Speaking to The Manica Post after the stolen vehicle was recovered, Patrick Chinama’s wife Mrs Monica Chinamasa, confirmed that the stolen vehicle had been found.

“Our car was found dumped in Murehwa yesterday, but I am not aware of the exact place. My driver and police officers from Rusape are now on their way to collect it from Murehwa Police,” Mrs Chinamasa said.

She also expressed her gratitude to The Manica Post for publicising the theft, stating that the media coverage had played a significant role in the recovery of the vehicle.

“I am really relived. I would like to thank The Manica Post for the publicity which helped a lot in the vehicle recovery. Many people reached to us, promising to help us in finding the car. That was effective and powerful publicity. You did well and I would like thank you,” said Mrs Chinamasa.

The back-to-back robberies targeting high-profile figures have ignited a debate about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the security measures in place to protect citizens. Critics are questioning whether enough is being done to deter criminals and ensure the safety of both ordinary Zimbabweans and those in positions of power.

The brazen nature of these crimes, coupled with the apparent ease with which the robbers were able to gain access to the properties, has raised serious concerns about the state of security in the country. Some are calling for a complete overhaul of the security apparatus, including increased police patrols, improved surveillance technology, and stricter enforcement of existing laws.

The incidents also highlight the growing disparity between the rich and poor in Zimbabwe, with some suggesting that the robberies may be motivated by desperation and a desire to acquire wealth by any means necessary. This has led to calls for the government to address the underlying economic issues that contribute to crime, such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality.