Rusape Headmaster Robbery Case Open Cane Of Worms

By Shingirai Vambe

What initially appeared to be an ordinary case of robbery has quickly evolved into one of Rusape’s most unsettling mysteries, leaving residents with more questions than answers. In the tight-knit farming town, where news travels faster than the wind, the incident involving Mabvazuva Primary School headmaster, Benedict Dadaya, has become the subject of heated debate, from bar stools and market stalls to WhatsApp groups and street corners.

According to reports that circulated widely on social media, Dadaya and his family endured a terrifying ordeal after a group of unidentified assailants broke into their home during the night. The robbers allegedly made off with property valued at around US$8,000, a staggering loss for the local school administrator. Among the stolen items was a Toyota D4D truck with white plates, which Dadaya had only recently acquired at an auction in Harare. Also taken were two motorbikes belonging to his wife, an Agritex officer, several laptops, cellphones, clothes, and an undisclosed amount of cash.

But what has fueled speculation and suspicion among Rusape residents is not merely the scale of the theft, it is the precision of the attack. Many believe the robbery was not random, but a calculated operation carried out by individuals who knew exactly what they were after.

This incident did not occur in isolation. Earlier in the year, Dadaya found himself the target of a damaging rumour campaign after a WhatsApp message circulated, accusing him of misappropriating BEAM funds, among other allegations. The story, riddled with inconsistencies, spread rapidly online, tarnishing his reputation despite the lack of evidence.

In a separate confrontation, Dadaya raised alarm over the conduct of a well-known figure in Rusape, Godfrey Mufuranhewe, popularly known as Joytech. According to Dadaya, Joytech entered the school premises without permission and began filming videos and taking photographs, actions that unsettled staff and pupils alike. His presence, unexplained and intrusive, left many wondering what his intentions were. Dadaya later voiced concerns about the behaviour and possible motives behind the filming, suggesting that there were people attempting to manufacture controversy around him.

Now, in the wake of the robbery, many residents are questioning whether these earlier incidents were connected to a broader campaign of intimidation. The timing, the nature of items stolen, and the apparent knowledge the robbers had about the household have stirred intense speculation.

“Why him? Why that night? Why those specific items?” one resident asked, reflecting the unease that has gripped the community. For many, the attack feels less like a crime of opportunity and more like a message, though from whom and for what purpose remains unclear.