Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
At least nine robbers who were terrorising people and targeting schools in separate incidents countrywide, have been jailed for various sentences.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has since commended the judiciary for its continued dedication and concerted effort in the fight against crime.
Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, said in one of the cases, Batsirai Chinangani (34), Samson Tinashe Makamelo (21), Partially Makamelo (27), Tinotenda Munemo (27), Weston Muriravanhu (32), Washington Chikava (45) and Abraham Tafali (29) were sentenced to 12 years each for armed robbery.
“The seven were convicted after they broke into school premises in Rainham, Harare, on May 8, 2024,” she said.
“They manhandled the security guards before robbing them of their cellphones and cash. They went on to ransack the offices and could not find any cash in the safes. They then stole three 12-volt batteries and drove away in a getaway car.”
She said on May 19, 2024, detectives from CID Homicide Harare received information linking Batsirai Chinangani to the robbery case, leading to his arrest, and he implicated other accomplices.
Follow-up investigations culminated in the arrest of the outstanding accused persons in Inyati, Zvimba and Harare.
On June 12, 2026, they appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court where they were convicted and sentenced.
Meanwhile, Stephen Jim (45) of Gatsi Village, Chief Matope, Mt Darwin, and Cephas Chikusvura (47) of Hatcliffe, Harare, were on June 24, 2026, sentenced to 10 years in prison each by the Mutoko Regional Magistrates Court for attempted robbery.
The conviction follows an attempted robbery which occurred on March 26, 2026, during which the duo assaulted a security guard before demanding cash at gunpoint.
The security guard managed to overpower and disarm one of them of a CZ pistol, leading to their arrest.
In a separate case, Tafadzwa Hwanya (23), an ex-convict, was on June 25, 2026, sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Chivhu Magistrates’ Court.
Magistrate Marvellous Joma presided over the matter, while the State was represented by Mr Taonga Masaire.
His arrest came after detectives from CID Chivhu received information that he was selling a cellphone suspected to have been stolen.
Detectives proceeded to Chivhu Bus Terminus, where they intercepted him and recovered the cellphone. Investigations led to the recovery of 12 additional cellphones in Chivhu and Turf.
Hwanya is now facing a total of 18 unlawful entry and theft cases in which he targeted residential premises, taking advantage of unlocked doors to gain entry before stealing valuables.
In some instances, he would break window panes and force open locked doors to gain entry.
Police said in one of the cases, which occurred on February 6, 2026, the suspect forced open a closed window before stealing a laptop and a cellphone.
