Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THREE robbers targeting residential houses in and around Harare have been jailed for 50 years each.
The three are Fanuel Kenias (42), Stanley Mhondoro (38) and Emson Mahlunge (39), all of Harare.
In a statement, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said; “Between March and April 2026, the trio terrorised residents in greater Harare by targeting residential premises.
“Armed with machetes and iron bars, the suspects attacked victims before robbing them of cash, cellphones and various household property.”
Det Insp Muteweri said the robbery spree came to an end on May 7, when detectives from CID Homicide Harare acted on a tip-off linking Kenias to a robbery case that occurred in Dzivaresekwa Extension, Harare, in March 2026.
Detectives swiftly reacted to the information, leading to his arrest in Dzivaresekwa Extension and the recovery of an Itel cellphone, which was stolen during one of the robberies.
Following his arrest, Kenias implicated his accomplices, Mhondoro and Mahlunge, who were arrested.
The suspects led police to the recovery of several stolen items, including the machetes and iron bars used in committing the robberies.
The trio cleared five robbery cases, as well as a rape and attempted rape case.
Last Friday, they appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court, where they were convicted and sentenced to 50 years each, with 10 years suspended on condition that they do not commit similar offences within the next five years.
Det Insp Muteweri encouraged the public to continue strengthening security measures at their homes and premises, and to avoid creating opportunities that allow criminals easy access to valuables.
Meanwhile, a 29-year-old suspected armed robber who was part of a gang that had been terrorising people in and around Gokwe has been arrested.
The suspect, Bruce Dzungu of Zharare Village, Kamhororo shops, under Chief Nemangwe, is facing charges of robbery and unlawful entry into premises.
Det Insp Muteweri said the suspect was linked to cases that occurred separately on November 30, 2025, at Dzingai Village under Chief Nemangwe
The other case occurred on February 22 this year, at a house in Mapfungautsi Location in Gokwe.
“The suspect, acting in connivance with Handson Mapurisa, aged 32, who is currently serving a jail term at Gokwe Prison, Thulani Ndebele, who is still at large, and another one only identified as Aaron, who is also still at large, forced open a door and gained entry into a complainant’s house.
“The suspects allegedly attacked the complainant with logs and sjamboks all over the body, causing him to lose consciousness. They then ransacked the house and stole two Samsung cellphones, solar panels and other valuables before fleeing from the scene,” she said.
Peter Tanyanyiwa