Arron Nyamayaro
FIVE members of an armed robbery gang that terrorised residents and businesses in Greater Harare and surrounding areas have been jailed for a combined 164 years.
This follows their orchestration of a series of violent robberies involving shootings, assaults and the theft of thousands of United States dollars.
The gang, which operated between October 2023 and February 2024, targeted residential properties, business premises and service stations, stealing cash, firearms, vehicles and electronic gadgets.
The five — Tafadzwa Richard Marondera (25), Liberty Mukanganise (31), Brighton Chikukwa (27), Silence Matambo (27) and Luke Zinyengere (28) — were linked to 10 armed robbery cases through police investigations.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police Criminal Investigations Department spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said the gang used a 9mm Retay pistol to intimidate victims, with some being shot and assaulted during the robberies.
“The accused persons would intimidate their victims and, in some instances, shoot and assault them while demanding cash and other valuables,” she said.
The gang’s criminal activities began in October 2023, with one of its early attacks occurring on October 12 at a residential property in Mabvuku, Harare.
After the occupant refused to open the door, the robbers fired warning shots before breaking into the house and getting away with US$5 500.
On December 10, the gang raided a home in Glen View 7, where they fired shots and stole US$320 before proceeding to a farm in Beatrice.
At the farm, they shot a victim in the thigh and stole US$700, electronic gadgets and two firearms.
The gang struck again on December 29, attacking a residence before proceeding to a service station, where they broke into the offices, blasted open a safe and stole US$4 870.
They also opened fire on a security reaction team, forcing its members to retreat, before escaping in a Toyota RAV4 belonging to one of the victims.
In another major robbery on January 31, 2024, the gang targeted a business premises in Workington, Harare, making off with US$42 000, electronic gadgets and a Honda Fit.
Other service stations targeted by the gang were in Mabelreign, St Mary’s, Chitungwiza and Ruwa.
Detective Inspector Muteweri said police investigations began after they received information linking Marondera to a series of armed robberies.
Marondera was arrested on February 25, 2024 and implicated his accomplices during questioning, leading to further arrests and the recovery of the pistol allegedly used in the robberies.
Marondera was sentenced to 77 years in prison, Mukanganise to 36 years, while Chikukwa, Matambo and Zinyengere each received 17 years.
Magistrate Noel Mupeiwa presided over the case, with Mercy Musamvu appearing for the State.
