Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
TWO Chipinge men have been sentenced to an effective 29 years in prison after a violent armed robbery spree at a local business centre that left multiple victims traumatised.
Witness Makonyedzeni (26) and Blessing Nyabowa (26) appeared before the Chipinge regional magistrate, Mr Bishard Chineka Court, who convicted them on three counts of robbery.
Mr Isaac Tangwena prosecuted.
The incident occurred on February 26, 2026, at St Kelvin Business Centre, where the two accused persons launched a coordinated and aggressive attack on a shop.
Mr Tangwena said the pair, armed with a toy pistol, machete, claw hammer and pepper spray, stormed the premises and threatened both the shop attendants and customers.
“The two acted in common purpose when they entered the shop armed with dangerous weapons, including a machete, claw hammer, and toy pistol, which created the impression of a real firearm.
They threatened violence and demanded cash and valuables from everyone present, thereby placing the victims in fear for their lives,” said Mr Tangwena, adding that the pair first targeted the shop owner, whom they attacked before pepper-spraying, to subdue, her.
They then stole her cell phone, US$60, R200, radio set and airtime worth US$4.
Mr Tangwena said the accused did not stop there, but continued their rampage by targeting other individuals within the shop.
“They proceeded to a second victim, whom they forced under duress to surrender her cell phone, and then threatened a third victim with assault before robbing her of her cell phone as well. The manner in which the offences were committed shows a clear disregard for human safety and the rule of law,” he said.
In passing sentence, Mr Chineka condemned the actions of the two, saying level of violence and intimidation used was unacceptable.
“This court cannot overlook the seriousness of the offences before it. The accused persons acted with boldness and cruelty, using weapons to instil fear and subdue their victims. Such conduct is not only unlawful but poses a serious threat to public safety. A custodial sentence is therefore warranted to punish the offenders and deter others from engaging in similar crimes,” said Mr Chineka.
Makonyedzeni and Nyabowa were each sentenced to 30 years in jail, with 12 months suspended on condition that they restitute the victims.
