Robbers Pounce on Pilgrims at Mutemwa Shrine
Robbers struck at Mutemwa Prayer Mountain in Mutoko, Zimbabwe, leaving worshippers shaken and several women’s belongings stolen in two separate incidents.
The incident took place on April 21, 2024, in the early hours of Sunday at the Mutemwa Leprosy Catholic and Care Centre Mountain.
In a statement, the Priest in Charge at the Centre, Father Salicio Mukuwe, expressed regret over the robbery incidents and informed that both cases were reported at the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Mutoko.
Father Mukuwe stated that the first incident involved five ladies who had all their bags stolen while they were praying.
Unfortunately, the bags had been left unattended, and the ladies did not report the theft to anyone.
He said:
They only made a report upon hearing the second incident from the second group of women.
In the second incident, six women were robbed at station 2 as they climbed up the mountain.
Robbers Pounce on Pilgrims at Mutemwa Shrine
The suspect enquired whether they had seen the centre’s guards and upon responding, they were forced to lie down and surrender their belongings (cell phones).
The thieves are still at large as police are investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, the centre has taken measures to protect everyone at the institution.
Father Mukuwe informed that a guard would be patrolling every Friday and Saturday from 6 pm to 6 am with immediate effect.
He also expressed regret over the incident and assured everyone that the centre would do everything possible to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future.
Please note that a guard will be patrolling every Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 6am with immediate effect.
The Mutemwa Prayer Mountain is a popular pilgrimage site, and thousands of people visit it every year.
While the centre’s prompt action to hire a guard is commendable, it also highlights the need for more security measures to be put in place.
