Notorious robbers jailed 87 years

Two serial robbers who unleashed a reign of terror across rural Makoni District in 2024 have been convicted and sentenced to a combined 87 years in prison after being found guilty of 14 counts of robbery.

Tapiwa Enock Samungure Machona (45), of Chief Saunyama area in Nyanga, and Tetanda Munyaradzi Kangai (47), from Farm 343 in Zviyambe, Hwedza, were convicted last week by Rusape magistrate Ms Rufaro Mangwiro. The State, led by prosecutor Mr Takunda Muzenda, presented overwhelming evidence linking the pair to a series of violent home invasions and robberies in villages including Tandi, Chiwetu, Chindukuro, and Mukamba.

Machona was sentenced to 44 years in prison, with 34 years suspended on condition he restitutes US$3 640 and maintains good behaviour—leaving him with 10 effective years behind bars. Kangai received a 43-year sentence, with the same conditions applied, meaning he will serve nine years.

The duo targeted villagers under the cover of darkness, using logs, machetes, and metal bars to threaten and assault their victims. They stole cash, clothes, electronics, and other valuables worth a total of US$4 957. In many instances, they tied up victims, stuffed cloths into their mouths, and ransacked homes, leaving families traumatised.

Their criminal enterprise came to an abrupt end in July 2024, when they bungled a robbery in Magombo Village. During their escape from 73-year-old Mr Lazarus Ratimba's home, they dropped a cellphone that contained pictures of Kangai. The device, recovered by police, became the key piece of evidence that led to their arrest.

In one of the first attacks on May 5, 2024, the duo broke into Ms Pamela Makwaya's house in Chiwetu Village, tied her up, and stole cellphones, a television, and cash. Just weeks later, they hit another home, robbing Ms Sandra Chingwena of US$881 at knifepoint. Similar violent break-ins followed, including attacks on high school learners from Nyakuipa and Sanzaguru, a 102-year-old grandmother, and teachers at local schools.

In several incidents, the robbers gagged victims, including children, and threatened to torch homes if screams were heard. The youngest victims were tied up with neckties and string and left helpless as their belongings were stolen.

The turning point came on July 9, 2024, when Mr Ratimba and his wife, Doreen, resisted the robbers' assault and screamed for help. Alerted neighbours responded, forcing the duo to flee. They dropped a cellphone and brown jacket near the homestead, which police later used to identify Kangai through photos found on the device. The phone was also linked to another robbery case in Mudzi.

"The accused persons fled with property worth US$100 but were identified after the discovery of a cellphone containing Kangai's photos. Investigations traced the gadget back to a previous case, and it ultimately led to the duo's arrest," said Mr Muzenda.

The sentencing brings relief to affected communities that lived in fear for months. Many villagers had resigned themselves to the terror that stalked their homes at night, with some even afraid to sleep indoors.

Despite only a fraction of the stolen property being recovered, justice has been served, and the convictions mark a significant success in combating rural crime in Manicaland.

Meanwhile, authorities have urged rural residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement as police continue to crack down on criminal syndicates operating in remote areas.