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Ex-soldier masterminds robbery and kidnapping on Lake Kariba
2 hrs ago |
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A COURT has heard how former Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) officer Criswell Kanyoka led a gang that terrorized fishermen on Lake Kariba, committing robbery and kidnapping.
Kanyoka, 26, and his accomplices Munashe Nyanye (25), Archford Mawiranhaka (36), Tanaka Tagara (23), Osamu Chawasiya Nhimura (30), and Joseph Mashakada (25) appeared at Kariba Magistrates Court this week, where they were convicted of robbery and kidnapping.
Each offender was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment for robbery and three years for kidnapping.
The prosecution told the court that in December 2025, the gang intercepted a Zambian fishing rig, assaulted three fishermen, and stole cellphones and dried kapenta.
The victims were then detained on Musampakaruma Island while the gang demanded a ransom of 26,000 Zambian kwacha. Fortunately, a joint security operation rescued the victims and recovered the fishing rig, speedboat, vehicle, stolen kapenta, and camouflage clothing.
Following the sentencing, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) reaffirmed its commitment to fighting organised crime.
"These convictions underscore the commitment of the courts to decisively deal with organised violent crime, especially offences that endanger lives, violate human dignity, and undermine cross-border security," the NPAZ said.
The case highlights the risks posed by armed gangs to cross-border communities and the importance of joint law enforcement operations in maintaining security on Lake Kariba.
Kanyoka, 26, and his accomplices Munashe Nyanye (25), Archford Mawiranhaka (36), Tanaka Tagara (23), Osamu Chawasiya Nhimura (30), and Joseph Mashakada (25) appeared at Kariba Magistrates Court this week, where they were convicted of robbery and kidnapping.
Each offender was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment for robbery and three years for kidnapping.
The prosecution told the court that in December 2025, the gang intercepted a Zambian fishing rig, assaulted three fishermen, and stole cellphones and dried kapenta.
The victims were then detained on Musampakaruma Island while the gang demanded a ransom of 26,000 Zambian kwacha. Fortunately, a joint security operation rescued the victims and recovered the fishing rig, speedboat, vehicle, stolen kapenta, and camouflage clothing.
Following the sentencing, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) reaffirmed its commitment to fighting organised crime.
"These convictions underscore the commitment of the courts to decisively deal with organised violent crime, especially offences that endanger lives, violate human dignity, and undermine cross-border security," the NPAZ said.
The case highlights the risks posed by armed gangs to cross-border communities and the importance of joint law enforcement operations in maintaining security on Lake Kariba.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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