News / National
18 go on trial for Chivayo in-laws robbery
19 Sep 2025 at 19:04hrs | 271 Views
The trial of 18 suspected armed robbers accused of staging a violent raid on businessman Wicknell Chivayo's in-laws in Marondera has opened at the Harare Magistrates' Court.
The suspects - Kelvin Murehwa (30), Peter Maramba Vhiya (43), Takudzwa Maisvoreva (24), Garikayi Shangwa (43), Temptation Gerald Dinhidza (44), Arnold Tafireyi (38), Tawanda Mushayatu (45), Mike Mhaka (45), Obvious Mutaka (32), Kennedy Kuzvinzwa (38), Adonia Dhliwayo (39), Charles Chokera (45), Arnold Mickson Mutinhidza (43), Shingirai Bhaureni (43), Stephen Munyaradzi Chakanetsa (26), Dave Saurombe (27), Taurai Mushawemhuka (20) and Felix Karimba (25) - face 10 counts of armed robbery and two counts of unlawful possession of firearms.
If convicted, the group could each face up to 30 years in prison, the same sentence handed to their alleged accomplice Bigboy Nampungo (27), who was jailed in April on similar charges.
The State, led by prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti, alleges that on March 18, 2025, the gang stormed Alpha and Omega Farm in Marondera, where they ambushed three night guards, disarmed them, and tied them up. The accused allegedly stole the guards' weapons and communication devices before breaking into the main farmhouse.
Inside, they are said to have confronted the Muteke family — Chivayo's in-laws — demanding cash and valuables. The robbers reportedly ransacked the property, seizing US$74,100 in cash, a pistol, several cellphones, and other items.
The heist was interrupted when one of the guards escaped and alerted a nearby security officer, sparking a gunfight that forced the suspects to flee.
All 18 accused have denied the charges, insisting they were not at the farm on the night in question. They further alleged in court that police tortured and threatened them into cooperating with the investigation.
Some of the suspects are represented by lawyer Tafadzwa Muvhami of Muvhami Attorneys, while others face trial without legal counsel.
Magistrate Musaiona Shortgame remanded the case for continuation.
The suspects - Kelvin Murehwa (30), Peter Maramba Vhiya (43), Takudzwa Maisvoreva (24), Garikayi Shangwa (43), Temptation Gerald Dinhidza (44), Arnold Tafireyi (38), Tawanda Mushayatu (45), Mike Mhaka (45), Obvious Mutaka (32), Kennedy Kuzvinzwa (38), Adonia Dhliwayo (39), Charles Chokera (45), Arnold Mickson Mutinhidza (43), Shingirai Bhaureni (43), Stephen Munyaradzi Chakanetsa (26), Dave Saurombe (27), Taurai Mushawemhuka (20) and Felix Karimba (25) - face 10 counts of armed robbery and two counts of unlawful possession of firearms.
If convicted, the group could each face up to 30 years in prison, the same sentence handed to their alleged accomplice Bigboy Nampungo (27), who was jailed in April on similar charges.
The State, led by prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti, alleges that on March 18, 2025, the gang stormed Alpha and Omega Farm in Marondera, where they ambushed three night guards, disarmed them, and tied them up. The accused allegedly stole the guards' weapons and communication devices before breaking into the main farmhouse.
Inside, they are said to have confronted the Muteke family — Chivayo's in-laws — demanding cash and valuables. The robbers reportedly ransacked the property, seizing US$74,100 in cash, a pistol, several cellphones, and other items.
The heist was interrupted when one of the guards escaped and alerted a nearby security officer, sparking a gunfight that forced the suspects to flee.
All 18 accused have denied the charges, insisting they were not at the farm on the night in question. They further alleged in court that police tortured and threatened them into cooperating with the investigation.
Some of the suspects are represented by lawyer Tafadzwa Muvhami of Muvhami Attorneys, while others face trial without legal counsel.
Magistrate Musaiona Shortgame remanded the case for continuation.
Source - online
