Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
A PROMINENT Bindura lawyer has been convicted of masterminding a violent robbery that left Pfura Rural District Council engineer Emson Chitsungo seriously injured.
Bonongwe was convicted alongside his five accomplices for orchestrating and executing the attack on Engineer Chitsungo at his Mt Darwin residence in October last year.
The matter was heard before Justice Pisirayi Kwenda, who found Bonongwe and his co-accused guilty as charged.
Pre-sentencing proceedings have been set for March 11, 2026. Those convicted are Elatone Bonongwe, Musa Gandi, Agnes Kunaka, Terrence Musingwimi, Justin James (alias James Chidhakwa, also known as Justin Mwale) and Tafadzwa Obrey Chipashu.
The court heard that on October 5, 2025, Bonongwe hatched a plan to rob Eng Chitsungo and enlisted his uncle, Musa Gandi, whom he had previously represented in a separate robbery matter, to assemble a team.
Armed with an AK47, a bayonet knife and iron bars, the gang travelled to Mt Darwin in a Toyota Sienta.
Bonongwe reportedly identified the complainant’s house before parting ways with the group. The attackers scaled a precast wall to gain entry into the property.
Once inside, they assaulted Eng Chitsungo, burning him with a hot iron while demanding cash and valuables.
He sustained fractures to his forearm bones and swollen soles on both feet. The gang ransacked the house and stole clothes, electrical gadgets and US$1 600 in cash. The total value of stolen property was US$30 049.
Police later intercepted the suspects at a roadblock in Mazowe as they drove towards Harare.
Upon being asked to submit to a search, the suspects attempted to flee, prompting officers from the Support Unit to fire warning shots.
Four suspects were arrested at the scene, while others initially escaped. The police recovered some of the stolen property and weapons used in the commission of the crime.
Investigations also uncovered WhatsApp messages and text exchanges linking Bonongwe to the plot, including instructions to assemble the robbery team. Property worth US$21 000 was recovered.
The conviction marks a dramatic fall from grace for the legal practitioner, whose sentencing now awaits determination by the High Court.
