Wicknell Choruma (46) and Moses Tagwirei (48) caught stealing meat and alcohol in broad daylight
LONDON – In a bizarre turn of events at this year’s Zimfest celebration in the UK, two Zimbabwean nationals, Wicknell Choruma (46) and Moses Tagwirei (48), were arrested for allegedly stealing alcohol and meat from a braai stand during the vibrant cultural event.
The incident occurred in the afternoon as festivalgoers enjoyed live music and traditional cuisine. Witnesses say the two men were seen acting suspiciously near a busy braai stall, slipping bottles of expensive whiskey and trays of marinated meat into large shopping bags. A staff member working behind the grill noticed their unusual behavior and alerted security, who promptly contacted local police.
“The bags looked too full, and they weren’t even trying to hide it,” said one worker. “They just kept stuffing things in like it was a grocery store, not a festival.”
Officers from the Metropolitan Police arrived swiftly and detained the suspects without incident. Both Choruma and Tagwirei were charged with theft and are scheduled to appear in court next week. Authorities say additional charges may follow as investigations continue.
The Zimfest organizers released a statement condemning the incident and praised staff for their vigilance: “We are committed to celebrating Zimbabwean culture in a safe and respectful environment. This behavior does not reflect our values.”
Festivalgoers expressed shock and disappointment, with some jokingly referring to the event as “Zimrest.”
