Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Four-armed robbers who were terrorising residents, businesspeople and vendors in Gwanda and surrounding areas have been jailed for a total of 72 years.
The four men from Chief Mazetese area in Mberengwa are Malvin Maranganya (19), Fornate Maranganya (26), Prince Sibanda (23) and Tatenda Ndlovu (23), were this week before a Gwanda Regional Court following a series of armed robberies in Gwanda.
The quartet appeared before Magistrate Ms Sithembiso Ndebele, who jailed Malvin Maranganya and Fornate Maranganya 24 years each while Prince Sibanda and Tatenda were each with 12 years in prison.
Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said the convictions stem from a string of robberies committed between March 29 and April 1, 2026.
“On March 29, 2026, posing as genuine customers, the accused persons approached the complainant, a food vendor and ordered meals,” she said.
“Thereafter, they briefly left the premises and returned moments later, armed with a pistol. They threatened the complainant and forcibly took cash amounting to ZAR1 000 before disappearing from the scene.
“Pursuant to their robbing spree, the gang proceeded to a nearby bus stop where they pounced on one of the complainants who was waiting for transport. They threatened her before robbing her at gunpoint.”
In a separate incident that occurred on April 1, 2026, the gang, who were masquerading as gold sellers, approached another complainant before producing a firearm and robbed the victim of ZAR15 000.
A scuffle ensued, resulting in the complainant disarming one of them. Police later received information on the whereabouts of Malvin Maranganya and follow-ups were made, leading to his arrest.
He then implicated his accomplices, who were later on arrested in Gwanda.
The gang were linked to a total of three armed robbery cases where a total of ZAR17 760 and US$100 was stolen and no recoveries were made.
