Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter
A 36-year-old armed robber who was part of a two men gang that was targeting individuals, homes and business premises in Harare, to steal cash and valuables, has been jailed for 16 years.
John Chagwiza was recently convicted and sentenced to 16 years imprisonment at the Harare Magistrates Court on four counts of robbery.
Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said Chagwiza’s conviction follows a robbery spree in which he and his accomplice, only identified as Musa, who is still at large, would break into premises, threaten the occupants and rob them.
On July 21 2025, the duo stole several iPhones, cash, two Apple watches, a laptop and a camera among other valuables.
Two days later, they robbed another victim of his cellphones and a laptop before disappearing.
An hour later, they struck again, robbing a different complainant of her cellphones and groceries.
On July 26, 2025, they broke into yet another house and made off with US$2 710, two iPhones and a laptop.
Police conducted investigations, and information was received that Chagwiza was behind the commission of the crimes.
Follow-ups were made, leading to his subsequent arrest in Epworth, Harare and the recovery of an iPhone Promax, iPad Pro, Apple iPods, an Acer Laptop, HP Probook laptop, several cellphones and groceries.
Police are now looking for the outstanding suspect, only identified as Musa.
Meanwhile, Lama Gabriel Gabi, aged 40, an Angolan national, who was arrested on August 30, 2025, for theft from a car, was jailed for 48 months by Harare Magistrate Ms Sharon Rakafa.
Gabi was convicted for stealing US$16 000 cash from a car on May 14 2025, parked at Greenfields Shopping Centre in Harare.
In another case, Andrew Nkomo, aged 26, was recently convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Plumtree Regional Magistrate Court for theft of copper cables.
On 26 August 2025, Nkomo and his accomplice David Mthokozisi Ndlovu cut a three-core electric armoured cable at a motel in Matopos.
Detectives intercepted them while they were looking for potential buyers for the copper. David Mthokozisi Ndlovu is yet to stand trial.
Police have since applauded the courts for their concerted efforts in the fight against crime.
