Daring Thigh Vendor Busted with Loot After Breaking Into Regular Client’s Apartment

A security guard at a popular apartment complex in Harare’s Avenues area is being hailed as a hero after he resisted the seductive advances of a thief and successfully foiled a high-stakes burglary. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday morning, resulted in the arrest of a 21-year-old woman who allegedly attempted to use her charms to escape with stolen valuables worth over US$1,500.

The suspect, identified as Hazel Makavanga, reportedly leveraged her familiarity with the Warwick Flats complex to orchestrate the theft. According to witnesses and police reports, Makavanga—who was known to the building’s security as a frequent visitor to a tenant in Room 408—arrived at the premises around 1:00 AM.

Claiming she was there to meet her regular client, she was granted entry. However, instead of heading to her usual destination, she allegedly made her way to the fourth floor. Finding a bathroom window left open at the apartment of Mr. Tendai Chizura, she gained entry and proceeded to ransack the residence.

During the break-in, Makavanga allegedly made off with two laptops—an HP and a Lenovo—along with a laptop bag and other valuables. Police revealed that she managed to exit the apartment through the main door after discovering a set of keys on a dining room table.

The heist nearly succeeded until she reached the exit, where she was confronted by the vigilant security guard on duty, Francis Andrea.

Andrea noticed a significant discrepancy: Makavanga, who had entered the complex empty-handed just thirty minutes prior, was now carrying several bulky items. When he questioned her about the origin of the goods, the situation took a dramatic turn.

Residents of the block report that Makavanga attempted to “reason” with Andrea, allegedly employing seductive tactics and “antics” in a desperate bid to secure her release. Andrea, however, remained steadfast, prioritizing his professional duties over the suspect’s advances.

“We want to commend the security guard for his unwavering professionalism,” said one tenant who witnessed the aftermath. “He didn’t blink. He called the police immediately when she couldn’t explain why she had those laptops.”

Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the arrest and the recovery of the stolen property.

“Police have apprehended a 21-year-old female for unlawful entry and theft at an Avenues apartment,” Inspector Chakanza stated. “Upon her arrest, the suspect was found in possession of the stolen laptops and the keys to the complainant’s residence. The total value of the recovered items is estimated at US$1,550.”

The suspect remains in custody and is expected to appear in court facing charges of unlawful entry and theft. Meanwhile, the residents of Warwick Flats are calling for Andrea to be officially recognized for his integrity, noting that his alertness has restored a sense of security to the complex.

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