SA-based Zimbabwean robbers get 12 years for brutal heist

Two South Africa-based Zimbabwean men who tracked a fellow countryman from South Africa to his rural home in Chiredzi and robbed him and his heavily pregnant wife of ZAR179 000 have each been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Timothy Jekero (46) and Watson Simango (42), both based in Johannesburg, were convicted and sentenced on Thursday by regional magistrate Elijah Sibanda. Two years of their sentences were suspended on condition that they restitute ZAR52 000 to the complainant by April 31, 2026. If restitution is made, they will serve an effective 10-year term.

The court heard that on December 28, 2025, at around 9pm, the two men, in the company of an accomplice identified only as Mike Mathose, who remains at large, followed Lameck Mahomu from South Africa to his homestead in Musengi Village under Chief Masivamele in Chikombedzi.

Armed with two pistols, the trio allegedly stormed the homestead, tied Mahomu's hands with shoelaces and assaulted him and his wife, Tisalani Baloyi, who was nine months pregnant at the time.

The court was told that after demanding cash, Baloyi initially handed over ZAR67 000. The attackers allegedly continued to assault Mahomu, forcing Baloyi to surrender a further ZAR112 000. The trio then fled with the money.

Mahomu reported the robbery to the police, leading to the arrest of Jekero and Simango the following day at the Chiredzi bus terminus as they attempted to board a bus back to South Africa.

Jekero pleaded guilty to the charge, while Simango denied any involvement. He told the court he was merely carrying a bag containing money allegedly given to him by Jekero to deliver to his sister.

Police recovered ZAR75 790 in cash, a pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition and a Samsung cellphone belonging to Baloyi.

Tanyaradzwa Dube prosecuted on behalf of the State, while Mathose remains on the run.