Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
TWO Gwanda-based armed robbers who terrorised residents and stole cash and a vehicle have each been sentenced to eight years in prison.
The two are Patricia Sibanda (20) and Thabani Makhosi Ndebele (20). They were sentenced by Bulawayo Regional Magistrate, Mr Mark Nzira, after being found guilty of robbing a Gwanda resident of US$700 and his motor vehicle, a Mazda Premacy, on April 29, 2026, at gunpoint.
Criminal Investigations Department spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said the suspects used the stolen vehicle as their getaway car after the robbery.
“The complainant, who had sustained injuries during the robbery, sought medical attention and, along the way to the hospital, spotted his stolen vehicle abandoned by the roadside,” she said.
“Investigations by detectives from CID Gwanda subsequently established that the accused persons had visited the complainant’s tuckshop on April 28, 2026, a day before the robbery, where they purchased face masks.
“A jean jacket and track jacket recovered from the abandoned vehicle were identified by members of the public as belonging to the accused persons, providing detectives with valuable leads in the investigations.”
On May 17, 2026, detectives from CID Gwanda received information that Thabani Makhosi Ndebele was spotted in the neighborhood.
They swiftly reacted to the information, resulting in his arrest and the subsequent arrest of one of his accomplices, Patricia Sibanda, on June 1, 2026.
“Their arrests and subsequent investigations culminated in the conviction and sentencing of the duo on 21 August 2026. The State was represented by Mr Tsungai Matapi.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges members of the public to take proactive measures to harden potential targets and remove opportunities for criminals to strike,” Insp Muteweri said.
Police are now appealing to anyone with information that may assist in the arrest of other outstanding suspects, who are identified as Philani Ndlovu, Promise Ncube, and Emmanuel Ngwenya, who are still at large, to report the information to the nearest police station.
