18 robbers jailed for staggering 1,179 years after Chivayo in-laws raid
Eighteen armed robbers have been sentenced to a staggering combined 1,179 years in prison after a violent raid on the Marondera farmhouse of millionaire businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws.
The gang stormed Alpha and Omega Farm at about 1am on March 18, 2025, just days after Chivayo had paid lobola for his wife, Lucy Muteke.
Harare magistrate Masaiona Shotgame handed down the sentences on Tuesday after all 18 men were convicted following a full trial. They had pleaded not guilty.
Nine of the men, Kelvin Murehwa, Peter Maramba Vhiya, Takudzwa Maisvoreva, Garikayi Shangwa, Temptations Gerald Dinhidza, Arnold Tafirei, Tawanda Mushayatu, Mike Mhaka and Shingirai Bhaureni, were each sentenced to an effective 76 years.
The other nine, Obvious Mutaka, Kennedy Kuzvinzwa, Adonia Dhliwayo, Charles Chokera, Arnold M. Mutinhidza, Stephen M. Chakanetsa, Dave Saurombe, Taurai Mushawemhuka and Felix Marongedze, each received an effective 55 year sentence.
Large portions of the sentences will run concurrently.
According to prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti, the gang arrived at the farm carrying three rifles, two pistols, machetes, iron bars and two bolt cutters.
They first attacked security guards Petros Mabunhu and Medic Zhakata with iron bars before forcing one of them to lead them to the farmhouse.
Inside, they confronted Gerald Muteke and stole US$18,000 in cash, a pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition and a Samsung S23 cellphone.
They then confronted Vimbai Muteke, who handed over US$1,100, a safe key and a Samsung Galaxy A35 cellphone.
The robbers forced her to open a safe in the main bedroom and escaped with a further US$55,000.
The gang then raided the home of Cossam Siminya, taking US$10,000, two Samsung television sets, several cellphones, groceries and other valuables.
Before leaving the area, they allegedly attacked nearby tuckshop owner Bosco Chidukudze, severely assaulting him before stealing his cellphone.
The gang was subsequently arrested and convicted on multiple counts of armed robbery.
The combined sentences, 1,179 years for 18 men, bring the case to a dramatic close after a raid in which the gang targeted homes, security guards and a local shop during a single night of violence.