Arron Nyamayaro
A six-member robbery gang that terrorised residents, business operators and other members of the public in Beitbridge and surrounding areas has been sentenced to a combined 154 years in prison.
The gang members are Clatton Dube, 36; Tapiwa Trymore Moyo, 38, also known as Kudakwashe Mudzingwa or Gweja; Philimon Bernard Dambwara, 34; Nyasha Muparira, 45; Jameson Chikozho, 25; and Stanley Shumba, 22.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said the convictions marked “a significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to dismantle organised criminal networks and tame violent crimes”.
She also commended members of the public for their efforts to help fight crime.
The gang was arrested on September 27, 2026, by detectives from CID Beitbridge, following intelligence that it was planning further robberies in the area.
Investigations led to the clearance of 14 robbery cases committed between March and September 2026.
The gang targeted service stations, lodges, private residences, business premises, a medical facility and members of the public. Its members used firearms to intimidate and subdue victims before stealing cash, mobile phones, laptops and other valuables.
On April 25, the gang raided a church in Mashavire, Beitbridge, while a service was in progress. Congregants were ordered to lie down, and three worshippers were robbed of cash, mobile phones and a laptop. In another incident, on May 20, the gang broke into a guest’s room at a lodge and stole US$2,710, ZAR18,700 and a cellphone.
Detectives tracked the gang to Mfelandawonye, Beitbridge, where its members were arrested before they could carry out further robbery plans. Interviews led to the recovery of two Blow P29 air pistols and ammunition.
Further investigations linked the gang to robbery cases in Masvingo, Mwenezi and Gutu.
In one case in Masvingo, the gang members posed as customers and lured a money changer to an isolated location, where they robbed him of ZAR55,000 and a cellphone.
Police said Muparira had previously been convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison in connection with one of the robbery cases.
The latest convictions and sentences were handed down on November 9, 2026, at Beitbridge Regional Court. The six appeared before Magistrate Charity Maphosa and were sentenced as follows:
Clatton Dube: 36 months’ imprisonment
Tapiwa Trymore Moyo: 36 years’ imprisonment
Philimon Bernard Dambwara: 36 years’ imprisonment
Nyasha Muparira: 31 years’ imprisonment
Jameson Chikozho: 24 years’ imprisonment
Stanley Shumba:** 24 years’ imprisonment
The State was represented by Wilbrought Muleya.
