Suspects Arrested in Armed Robbery at New IOC President Kirsty Coventry’s Family Home

Kirsty Coventry speaks after she was announced as the new IOC President at the International Olympic Committee 144th session in Costa Navarino, western Greece, Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Two brothers were arrested and appeared in a Zimbabwean court on Friday, accused of carrying out an armed robbery at the home of the parents of newly elected International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. The suspects, John and Mike Nhongwe, allegedly stole cash and valuables worth $90,000, including some of Coventry’s sporting memorabilia.

According to police reports, the brothers held Coventry’s parents at gunpoint during the robbery and tied them up using shoelaces. The stolen items included jewelry, firearms, and $15,000 in cash, along with souvenirs from Coventry’s decorated Olympic swimming career. Authorities did not specify the exact nature of the memorabilia, but reports indicated that it included some of her Olympic clothing. The robbery took place on March 10 in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe.

Coventry, 41, was elected as the first African and first woman to lead the IOC on Thursday in Greece. A two-time Olympic swimming champion, she competed in five Summer Games before retiring in 2016. Since 2018, she has served as Zimbabwe’s sports minister and is expected to return to the country on Sunday, according to the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee.

The exact details of the stolen Olympic memorabilia and its recovery status are expected to be presented in court on Saturday when the accused are scheduled to reappear for formal charges and indictment. A magistrate ordered that they remain in custody until then.

Coventry, the most decorated African Olympian, is set to begin her eight-year term as IOC president in June, succeeding Thomas Bach, who has led the organization since 2013.