Arron Nyamayaro
Court Reporter
FIVE members of an armed robbery gang that terrorised residents and businesses in the Greater Harare and surrounding areas have been sentenced to a combined 164 years in prison.
The gang members — Tafadzwa Richard Marondera (25), Liberty Mukanganise (31), Brighton Chikukwa (27), Silence Matambo (27), and Luke Zinyengere (28) — were arrested after police received information linking Marondera to a series of armed robberies.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police Criminal Investigations Department spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said Marondera was arrested on February 25, 2024.
He implicated his accomplices during questioning, and further investigations led to their arrests and the recovery of a 9mm Retay pistol allegedly used in the robberies.
“Investigations established that the gang had been operating since October 2023, targeting residential properties, business premises and service stations,” she said.
“Using the firearm, the accused persons would intimidate their victims and, in some instances, shoot and assault them while demanding cash and other valuables.”
On October 12, 2023, the gang raided a home in Mabvuku, Harare. After the occupant refused to open the door, the robbers fired warning shots, broke into the house, and stole US$5 500.
On December 10, the gang struck a home in Glen view 7, Harare, where they fired shots and stole US$320.
They then went to a farm in Beatrice, shot a victim in the thigh, and stole US$700, electronic gadgets, and two firearms.
