Two brothers in Zimbabwe, John and Mike Nhongwe, have been arrested for allegedly robbing the parents of Kirsty Coventry and stealing memorabilia valued at $90,000. Coventry, who was recently elected as the first female and first African IOC President, was not confirmed to be in Zimbabwe during the incident. Further court proceedings are scheduled to reveal more about the stolen items and proceedings against the accused.

In Harare, Zimbabwe, two brothers, John and Mike Nhongwe, have been arrested and charged with armed robbery at the residence of Kirsty Coventry’s parents. The police report indicates that the brothers allegedly held Coventry’s parents at gunpoint, stealing items valued at around $90,000, including jewelry, firearms, and memorabilia linked to Coventry’s athletic career, along with $15,000 in cash.

The incident reportedly took place on March 10, coinciding with Coventry’s election as the first woman and first African President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on March 20, 2025. Coventry is recognized as Africa’s most decorated Olympian, having excelled in swimming at five different Olympic Games before retiring in 2016.

According to reports, Coventry’s parents were restrained with shoelaces during the robbery, although it remains unclear whether she was in Zimbabwe at the time. The Nhongwe brothers are scheduled to appear in court again on Saturday for formal charging, where more information regarding the stolen memorabilia is anticipated to be presented. A ruling has been made for their continued custody until the next hearing.

Coventry has been a key figure in Zimbabwean sports, serving as the sports minister since 2018, and she is expected to return to Zimbabwe this coming Sunday. Her official term as the IOC President will commence in June, taking over from Thomas Bach, who has held the position since 2013.

The recent arrest of John and Mike Nhongwe for armed robbery at the home of Kirsty Coventry’s parents highlights a significant criminal incident in Zimbabwe. As Coventry prepares to assume her role as IOC President, there remains notable concern over the theft of valuable items connected to her esteemed athletic career. The case continues to unfold, with further details expected in upcoming court sessions.

Original Source: apnews.com

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