Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
THREE armed robbers have been sentenced to an effective 50 years in prison for robbery and rape-related offences.
Police confirmed the conviction of Fanuel Kenias (42), Stanley Mhondoro (38) and Emson Mahlunge (39), all residents of Harare. They were convicted for a series of armed robbery incidents committed in Greater Harare.
In a statement, Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, the CID spokesperson, said the trio terrorised residents between March and April last year.
They targeted residential premises. Armed with machetes and iron bars, the suspects attacked victims before robbing them of cash, cellphones and various household property.
The robbery spree ended on May 7, last year after CID detectives in Harare acted on a tip-off linking Fanuel Kenias to a robbery case that occurred in Dzivarasekwa Extension in March.
“Detectives arrested Kenias in Dzivarasekwa Extension, where a small Itel cellphone, allegedly stolen during one of the robberies, was recovered.
“After his arrest, Kenias implicated his accomplices, Mhondoro and Mahlunge, who were subsequently arrested.
“The suspects led police to the recovery of several stolen items, including the machetes and iron bars used during the attacks.
“The court found the trio responsible for five robbery cases, as well as rape and attempted rape offences. On May 22, 2026, the accused appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court, where they were convicted and sentenced by Magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka. The State was represented by Tendai Tapi. All three were sentenced to 50 years’ imprisonment, with 10 years suspended, provided they do not commit similar offences within the next five years,” said Det-Insp Muteweri.
Bongani Ndlovu