Farm Worker and Maid Nabbed After Stealing Over US$80,000 from Employer

A Harare farmer’s trust was shattered after his maid and farm worker allegedly stole more than US$80,000 in cash and valuables while he was away from home.

The incident took place on August 10, 2025, when Gift Mzilikazi (50) left his property in the care of two employees: Sarah Matemarunda (59), his maid, and Milton Mudimu (24), a general hand on the farm.

According to The Herald, Matemarunda contacted her employer the next day, claiming that Mudimu had disappeared and she was concerned about the chickens. Mzilikazi attempted to reach Mudimu but received no response.

On returning home on August 12, Mzilikazi discovered his bedroom unlocked and his wall-mounted digital safe missing.

The stolen safe reportedly contained:

• US$80,400 in cash

• R4,000

• Foreign currencies including 300 Yuan, 200 Dirhams, 100 Rupees, and 30 British Pounds

• Live ammunition

A further search led to the discovery of the empty safe in the boot of his son’s Honda Fit, alongside the missing ammunition and several Zimbabwean passports. The theft was immediately reported to authorities.

Under interrogation, Matemarunda confessed to the theft and directed police to her hidden stash. Officers recovered:

• US$12,391

• R1,360

• 10 British Pounds

• 50 Rupees

• 5 Dirhams

• 100 Yuan

She implicated Mudimu as her co-conspirator.

Investigators later learned that Mudimu had crossed the border into South Africa to escape arrest. With help from his relatives, law enforcement was able to locate and detain him.

Both Matemarunda and Mudimu were formally charged with theft. They appeared before Harare Magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai, where they were remanded in custody. A bail hearing is expected to take place today.

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