Armed Robbery at Residence of Energy Expert Dr Engineer Edzai Kachirekwa Leaves Family Traumatised as Police Intensify Investigations

By Kudakwashe Ruzive

Zimbabwe Republic Police investigations are continuing following a violent armed robbery at the residence of prominent Zimbabwean energy expert, infrastructure strategist and Power Giant chief executive officer Dr Engineer Edzai Kachirekwa in Mandara, Harare.

The attack reportedly occurred during the early hours of Saturday at approximately 2:00 a.m, when a group of armed suspects allegedly forced entry into the property after damaging access points before entering the house.

According to information provided by the family, the intruders moved through the residence demanding cash and valuables while insisting there was a secure room or safe containing large sums of money.

Engr Kachirekwa, his wife Dr Evelyn Kachirekwa and other occupants were reportedly subjected to a frightening ordeal as the attackers repeatedly demanded access to money they believed was hidden inside the house.

Family members say they repeatedly informed the suspects that there was no safe and no large cash reserves at the residence.

During the incident, Dr Kachirekwa and his wife were allegedly tied up and assaulted while being interrogated. The suspects reportedly threatened family members and continued searching the premises.

The robbers eventually fled after taking personal belongings, including mobile phones, footwear and other valuables.

What has since attracted particular attention from investigators is the reported recovery of a wallet allegedly left behind at the scene.

According to the family, the wallet contained identification documents linked to an individual associated with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

Authorities have stressed that the discovery of documents does not in itself establish criminal responsibility and that all findings must undergo verification and legal assessment.

The ZRP Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has since opened investigations and is reportedly examining physical evidence recovered at the scene, conducting forensic assessments, interviewing witnesses and tracing possible leads connected to the suspects’ movements and identities.

Investigators are also expected to analyse all recovered material, establish ownership and relevance of the documents found, and determine whether they have any connection to the robbery.

Family members described the attackers as organised and coordinated, saying their conduct during the incident appeared calculated and disciplined.

The incident has left the family shaken, with relatives expressing concern particularly for Dr Evelyn Kachirekwa, who had reportedly been receiving medical attention prior to the attack.

“The family survived the attack, but they remain deeply traumatised,” a family representative said.

Dr Engineer Edzai Kachirekwa is widely recognised for his contribution to Zimbabwe’s energy and infrastructure sectors.

Through his work in electrical engineering and leadership within the energy industry, he has advocated for renewable energy adoption, transmission infrastructure expansion, decentralisation of electricity systems and increased participation of Independent Power Producers to strengthen national energy security.

His work has consistently focused on reducing energy deficits and supporting industrial growth and long-term economic transformation.

Kachirekwa has also promoted regional energy integration and investment in power infrastructure aimed at improving reliability and supporting Zimbabwe’s broader development agenda.

However, there is currently no verified public data quantifying a specific percentage reduction in national power cuts directly attributable to Dr Kachirekwa’s initiatives.

His contribution has largely been through policy advocacy, engineering leadership, renewable energy promotion and infrastructure development rather than direct operational control of Zimbabwe’s electricity supply.

As investigations continue, the Kachirekwa family says it remains hopeful that all evidence will be fully examined and those responsible brought before the courts.

The attack has renewed public discussion around violent crime, home security and the need to strengthen protection for citizens and their families.