Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
SEVEN armed robbers have each been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a violent robbery at a school in Rainham, Harare, in a case the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says highlights the success of coordinated investigations and the judiciary’s commitment to combating violent crime.
Criminal Investigations Department (CID) national spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri identified the convicted robbers as Batsirai Chinangani (34), Samson Tinashe Makamelo (21), Partially Makamelo (27), Tinotenda Munemo (27), Weston Muriravanhu (32), Washington Chikava (45) and Abraham Tafali (29).
Det Insp Muteweri said the gang struck on May 8, 2024, after breaking into school premises in Rainham, where they assaulted security guards before robbing them of cash and mobile phones.
The robbers then ransacked offices searching for money but failed to access cash kept in safes. They, however, stole three 12-volt batteries before fleeing in a getaway vehicle.
“Investigations gathered momentum on May 19, 2024, after detectives from the CID Homicide unit in Harare received information linking Chinangani to the robbery. Following his arrest, he implicated his accomplices, leading to their arrests in Inyati, Zvimba and Harare.
“The seven appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on June 12, 2026, where Magistrate Chakanyuka convicted and sentenced each of them to 12 years’ imprisonment,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
In a separate case, Stephen Jim (45), of Gatsi Village under Chief Matope in Mt Darwin, and Cephas Chikusvura (47), of Hatcliffe, Harare, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Mutoko Regional Magistrates’ Court after being convicted of attempted robbery.
The court heard that on March 26 this year, the pair assaulted a security guard before demanding cash at gunpoint. However, the guard fought back, overpowered the suspects and disarmed them of a CZ pistol before they were arrested.
Meanwhile, Tafadzwa Hwanya (23), an ex-convict, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment by the Chivhu Magistrates’ Court after being convicted of unlawful entry and theft.
Police said detectives from CID Chivhu acted on information that Hwanya was attempting to sell a suspected stolen cellphone at Chivhu Bus Terminus. His arrest led to the recovery of the cellphone and 12 others in Chivhu and Turf.
“Hwanya has since cleared 18 unlawful entry and theft cases in which he targeted residential properties by taking advantage of unlocked doors or forcing entry through windows and locked doors. In one of the cases, committed on February 6 this year, he allegedly forced open a window before stealing a laptop and a cellphone from a house,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police commended the judiciary for its continued collaboration in the fight against crime, saying the convictions send a strong message that offenders will be brought to justice.
