Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Two Beitbridge robbers have been sentenced to a combined 288 years in jail for committing a spree of armed robberies in the area.
Gift Maphosa, 36, and Mpokiseng Dube, 27, were each handed effective sentences of 144 years for their involvement in three-armed robbery cases in Mwenezi.
The duo blocked roads with stones at night to force unsuspecting motorists to stop. Once they did, the robbers would emerge from the darkness, armed with pistols, and threaten their victims before robbing them. In one incident, the pair shot two victims, injuring them in the process.
Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri from the Criminal Investigations Department revealed that the criminals’ luck ran out when they received a tip-off about Maphosa’s involvement in the crimes. His arrest on February 22, 2025, led to Dube’s capture shortly thereafter.
The two appeared before Magistrate Judith Zuyu and Public Prosecutor Tanyaradzwa Tinarwo at the Chiredzi Regional Magistrate Court on June 30, 2025, where they were sentenced to a significant prison term.
Inspector Muteweri expressed gratitude to the public for their assistance in providing credible information that aided in the arrests.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police continues to applaud the courts for their unwavering commitment to upholding justice and sending a clear message that crime does not pay,” she stated.
In addition to Maphosa and Dube, at least seven other individuals have been jailed for various criminal activities, including robbery, fraud, drug dealing, and theft of copper cables. Their sentences range from six to 10 years.
Among those convicted is Milton Sebele, 31, who received an eight-year sentence for a robbery that occurred at a homestead in Hope Fountain.
Alongside three accomplices, Sebele attacked a homeowner, stealing cash and cellphones.
Isaac Nhererea, 26, was sentenced to nine years for a robbery in Beitbridge where he and an accomplice, posing as travelers, hijacked a taxi along with its valuables.
Ashton Benedict, 26, received eight years for attacking a complainant at Zimre Village Flats and stealing cash and a cellphone. Prince Mutero, 43, was sentenced to nine years for stealing US$1,400 in Kwekwe after attacking the victim.
Peter Matengahama, 46, faced a 10-year sentence for vandalising ZETDC transformers and stealing copper windings in Chipinge.
Shingirai Cele, 41, was jailed for six years for failing to deliver basic commodities after receiving US$67 300 and Obvious Ngwenya, 50, was sentenced to 10 years for unlawful possession of mbanje in Gwanda.
Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the national police spokesperson, reiterated the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s commitment to collaborating with the judiciary to impose deterrent sentences on offenders.
He urged the public to continue reporting criminal activities through the National Complaints Desk, reinforcing the community’s role in maintaining safety and security.
