Armed robbery gang members jailed 50 years each
Criminals terrorised Harare residents using machetes and iron bars, court told
By Auther Chimbgwa
Three men have each been jailed 50 years following their conviction for crimes involving armed robbery, rape and attempted rape which were all committed around in parts of Harare.
Police spokesperson for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Detective Inspector Rachael Muteweri confirmed the convictions and identified the convicts as Fanuel Kenias, Stanley Mhondoro, and Emson Mahlunge who are all residents of Harare.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) would like to confirm the arrest and conviction of Fanuel Kenias (42), Stanley Mhondoro (38), and Emson Mahlunge (39), all of Harare, who were sentenced to an effective 50 years imprisonment for a spate of armed robbery committed in greater Harare,” said Detective Inspector Muteweri in a statement.
Muteweri said between March and April 2025, the trio terrorised residents in Harare by targeting them in their premises.
“Armed with machetes and iron bars, the suspects attacked victims before robbing them of cash, cell phones and various household property,” she added.
Their luck ran out on 7 May 2025 when detectives from CID Homicide Harare acted on a tip-off linking Kenias to a robbery incident that occurred in Dzivarasekwa Extension in March 2025.
Police swiftly reacted on the information, leading to his arrest in Dzivarasekwa Extension and the recovery of a small Itel cell phone stolen during one of the robbery incidents.
“Following his arrest, Fanuel Kenias implicated his accomplices, Stanley Mhondoro and Emson Mahlunge, who were subsequently arrested,” said Muteweri. .
“The suspects led police to the recovery of several stolen property items, including the machetes and iron bars used in committing the robberies.
“The trio cleared a total of five robbery cases, attempted rape and rape case.”
On 22 May 2026, the three were each handed the punitive sentence by magistrate Chakanyuka, with 10 years suspended on condition that they did not commit similar offences within the next five years.
“The ZRP continues to urge members of the public to strengthen security measures at their homes and premises, and to avoid creating opportunities that allow criminals easy access to valuables,” said Muteweri.
