Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
SIX men who turned the calm waters of Lake Kariba into a hunting ground for terror have been convicted and jailed for robbery and kidnapping.
The gang carried out a daring but unsuccessful ransom plot targeting Zambian fishermen.
The Kariba Magistrates Court convicted Criswell Kanyoka (26), a former soldier, Munashe Nyanye (25), Archford Mawiranhaka (36), Tanaka Tagara (23), Osamu Chawasiya Nhimura (30) and Joseph Mashakada (25) for their roles in the cross border crime that occurred in December 2025.
Prosecutors told the court that the six men lay in wait on the lake before intercepting a Zambian fishing rig, ambushing three fishermen going about their daily grind.
The gang assaulted the victims, robbing them of their mobile phones and freshly harvested kapenta, before forcing them into captivity.
The fishermen were taken to Musampakaruma Island, where they were detained under guard as the suspects demanded a ransom of 26 000 Zambian Kwacha for their release.
The court heard that the victims endured hours of fear and uncertainty, isolated on the island as their captors negotiated for money, confident that the lake would shield them from arrest.
But the net closed fast.
A joint security operation involving law enforcement agencies swooped in, rescuing the kidnapped fishermen before any ransom could be paid.
During the operation, authorities recovered the stolen fishing rig, a speedboat, a vehicle, dried kapenta and camouflage clothing, painting a picture of an organised and well planned criminal operation.
The successful rescue was hailed as a major blow to lake based crime syndicates that threaten livelihoods and regional security.
In passing sentence, the magistrate stressed that the courts would not tolerate organised violence, especially crimes that endanger lives, violate human dignity and destabilise cross border relations.
Each offender was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for robbery and three years for kidnapping, sending all six straight to jail.
In a statement after the ruling, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe said the convictions underline the justice system’s firm stance against organised violent crime.
“These offences undermine cross border security and place innocent lives at risk. The law will act decisively,” said the NPAZ.
