Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Nine armed robbers recently arrested for a series of violent crimes across the country have been convicted and handed lengthy prison sentences, as police intensify efforts to clamp down on organised robbery syndicates.
Among those jailed are five men who orchestrated the high-profile robbery of more than US$720 000 from Quest Financial Services in Harare.
Washington Mangwanda (21), Brighton Chikukwa (27), Silence Matambo (27), Liberty Mukanganise (31) and Luke Zinyengere (28) were each sentenced to an effective 11 years in prison.
They were convicted of armed robbery following a full trial before Harare regional magistrate Mrs Jesse Kufa.
The court initially imposed 12-year sentences on each of the accused before suspending one year on condition of good behaviour.
Part of the stolen money, amounting to US$104 160, was recovered and returned to the complainant.
Zinyengere, who is not a first offender, is already serving a separate 22-year prison term imposed in April last year for robbery and attempting to escape from lawful custody after he tried to flee from prison guards at the Harare Magistrates Court while attending proceedings in the present matter.
In a separate case, Edward Betserai (44), Peter Chinese (43) and Gasper Blessing (37), all of Waterfalls, Harare, along with Goodknows Chinese (43) of Seke, Chitungwiza, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison for armed robbery committed in Waterfalls on November 15, 2025.
The convictions were confirmed by national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who said the Zimbabwe Republic Police continues to name and shame offenders convicted of serious crimes.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police releases the names of accused persons who were recently convicted for various offences and sentenced to 60 months and above during the week ending June 11, 2026,” he said.
Comm Nyathi applauded the public for providing information that led to the arrest of the suspects and urged continued cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police applauds the public for supplying information which led to the arrest of the suspects. The public should continue supplying information on criminal activities in the country,” he said.
