Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
Herald Reporter
TWO brothers from Chipinge have been sentenced to a combined 43 years’ imprisonment for a series of robberies that terrorised their community.
Joseph Mafondokoto and Kudakwashe Mafondokoto, residents of Chikwanda Village under Chief Mutema, were convicted on seven counts of robbery. Their accomplices, Chakanetsa Mafondokoto and Tinashe Mashava, remain at large.
According to Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Criminal Investigations Department, the gang specifically targeted female-headed households and local businesses.
Armed with machetes, iron bars and catapults, they threatened victims into surrendering cash and valuables.
The court heard details of their brazen spree, including an incident on October 26, 2025, where they confronted a victim and escaped with a welding machine, a compressor and money.
Their criminal activities culminated on November 12, 2025, when they broke into a shop and stole a haul of groceries, clothing, shoes, beverages, and electrical appliances.
Mere hours later, they struck another victim using the same violent tactics.
Their reign of terror ended in the early hours of November 12, when police on patrol spotted the group.
While two suspects managed to flee, Joseph and Kudakwashe Mafondokoto were apprehended, leading to the recovery of various stolen items.
The duo appeared before Magistrate Robson Chineka at Chipinge Magistrate Courts, where they received their lengthy sentences.
Police confirmed that the search for the remaining suspects is ongoing.
