A 21-year-old woman, identified as Hazel Makavanga, who allegedly worked as a commercial sex worker, broke into the apartment of one of her regular clients in Harare's Avenues area and stole valuables worth US$1,550 (approximately R28,200). Her escape was thwarted by a vigilant security guard who alerted the police.
Incident Details
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Warwick Flats in the city centre of Zimbabwe. According to Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, Makavanga gained access to the apartment complex shortly after 1 a.m. by informing security personnel that she was visiting a client.
Inspector Chakanza confirmed the arrest and outlined how the alleged theft unfolded. "Police arrested a woman for unlawful entry and theft at an apartment in the Avenues area." He stated that the suspect entered the complainant's apartment through an open bathroom window. "On Tuesday, at around 0130 hours, the accused person approached a security guard at the flat. She gained entry through the open window, entered the bathroom, proceeded to the spare bedroom, and stole two laptops, an HP and a Lenovo, together with a laptop bag." The stolen property was valued at approximately US$1,550.
Escape Attempt
Police reported that the suspect left the apartment through the main door after finding keys inside the flat. Inspector Chakanza explained, "After stealing, the accused person exited through the main door which she accessed by unlocking it using keys she found on a table in the dining room. The keys were recovered upon searching her."
The theft might have gone unnoticed if not for the attentiveness of security guard Francis Andrea. Residents stated that Andrea became suspicious after noticing the woman carrying several items upon leaving the building, despite arriving empty-handed. After questioning her about the ownership of the property and receiving unsatisfactory explanations, he contacted the police.
Security Guard's Professionalism
A resident at the apartment block praised the security guard for remaining professional throughout the incident. "We want to commend the security guard for being professional." The resident alleged that the suspect was familiar with the complex because she had visited one of the tenants on numerous occasions. "This lady was hired on several occasions for sexual encounters at the flat by one of the tenants, who stays in Room 408. Due to these regular visits, she became well versed with the set-up at the flat."
Attempted Seduction
The resident further claimed that attempts were made to persuade the guard to allow her to leave. "She tried in vain to reason with Francis for her release but he resisted her seductive antics. Francis called law enforcement, leading to Makavanga's arrest." Police investigations into the matter are continuing.
