Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Police in Bulawayo have arrested McMillan Zimunhu, (22), of Nkulumane 11, who is accused of stealing and gambling away his mother’s savings amounting to US$10,300.
According to police, the money belonged to his mother, a 48-year-old self-employed woman, who had been saving for years to build a house.
The savings were kept at various hiding places inside the family home, a fact known to all her five children.
The complainant last checked the money in September 2025, when it was still intact.
However, on January 19, she attempted to access the funds for her building project and discovered that the entire amount was gone.
A report was immediately made to the police.
Following investigations and interviews with family members, police established that Zimunhu, the second-born son, had taken the money.
He later admitted to stealing the cash and spending it on multiple gambling sessions on an online betting game machine known as Aviator or chindege, where he reportedly lost everything.
“The total value stolen is US$10,300 and nothing was recovered,” said Bulawayo Province police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele.
She warned that gambling addiction is becoming a serious social problem, particularly among young people.
“Gambling is highly addictive and has destroyed many lives. People are losing fortunes, properties and family trust in the hope of quick money, but they end up with nothing,” Insp Msebele said.
Police also urged the public to avoid keeping large sums of money at their homes as they risk losing it.
“We urge members of the public to avoid keeping large sums of money at their homes and instead use banking institutions to safeguard their hard-earned cash,” Inspector Msebele added.
Gambling, especially online betting games like Aviator, has grown rapidly in Zimbabwe, attracting mostly youths with promises of instant riches.
However, experts warn that such platforms are designed to benefit operators, not players.
New Ziana
