Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
TWO brothers – Joseph and Kudakwashe Mafondokoto – of Chikwanda Village, Chipinge, have been sentenced to 43 years in prison after being convicted on seven counts of armed robbery.
The duo, along with their accomplices – Chakanetsa Mafondokoto, who appears to be a member of their family, and Tinashe Mashava – who remain at large – instilled fear in the community through a series of brazen robberies targeting residents and local businesses.
Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, spokesperson for the Criminal Investigations Department, revealed that the duo frequently targeted households which are led by women.
Armed with machetes, iron bars and catapults, they threatened victims into surrendering their belongings.
“In a particularly alarming incident on October 26, 2025, they confronted a complainant, demanding cash and valuables before escaping with a welding machine, a compressor and money,” Det Insp Muteweri said.
In another notable robbery on November 12, the pair broke into a shop and stole a variety of items, which included groceries, clothing, shoes, beverages and electrical appliances.
Hours later, they struck another victim, employing the same tactics to rob him of his valuables.
Their crime spree was cut short in the early hours of that same day when police officers on patrol caught sight of them.
While two of the suspects fled the scene, the other two were arrested.
Various stolen items were recovered.
The Mafondokoto brothers appeared before Magistrate Robson Chineka who sentenced them to lengthy jail sentences.
