Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
TWO Kadoma men have each been sentenced to an effective 12 years in prison after being convicted of carrying out a series of violent armed robberies in Chakari, including an attack in which a gold dealer and his wife were assaulted and robbed of property worth over US$20 000.
Ronald Rori (25) and Japhet Maskati (25), both of Destiny in Kadoma, were convicted by the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court on two counts of robbery, one of which was committed under aggravating circumstances.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the pair terrorised residents in violent night raids carried out in late 2025.
In the first incident, which occurred on November 18, 2025, the two reportedly broke into the home of a 28-year-old woman around midnight while armed with machetes, knives and torches.
The court heard that the robbers threatened to stab the woman if she failed to surrender her valuables.
During the attack, one of the accused struck the victim on the ankle with a machete.
The pair allegedly escaped with US$800 in cash, several cellphones, a power bank and gold ornaments valued at US$1 810.
In another robbery on December 3, 2025, the two reportedly teamed up with an accomplice who is still at large and targeted a local gold dealer.
Pretending to be prospective customers, the gang allegedly gained entry into the victim’s premises before producing a firearm and violently attacking the occupants.
The gold dealer was struck on the forehead with an iron bar, while his wife was tied up and suffocated in an attempt to force her to reveal hidden cash.
The gang reportedly stole more than US$20 000 worth of gold, several cellphones and a pistol loaded with ammunition.
The NPAZ said the sentence sends a strong warning against violent robbery and related offences.
“Robbery is a serious crime that will be met with firm and deterrent punishment. The safety of communities remains a top priority, and offenders will face the full wrath of the law,” said the authority.
