Two Hopley Men Jailed 65 Years for Armed Robbery Spree in Beatrice

Hopley Harare

Two men from Hopley in Harare have been sentenced to 65 years in prison after being convicted of a series of violent robberies in Beatrice. The convictions were confirmed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police in a statement issued on 12 March 2026. The accused, Conrad Moyo (22) and Milford Sidhakwa (24), both from Hopley Zone 6 in Harare, were found guilty of taking part in a robbery spree that occurred in Beatrice on the night of 5 March. According to the police, the pair acted together with an accomplice, Shadreck Shava, who is still at large.

Police said the suspects were armed with a bolt cutter, machete, okapi knife, small axe, and an electric shocker when they carried out the attacks at around 10 pm. The trio allegedly confronted a security guard before forcing him into a nearby bar, where they robbed a bar attendant of cash, a mobile phone, and beer. During the incident, the security guard was stabbed with an okapi knife and forced to surrender his cellphone.

In a statement, Detective Inspector, Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer

Muteweri said the suspects then continued with their robbery spree in the area.

“They proceeded to a nearby motel where they forced open locked doors before robbing occupants of cash and other valuables,” Muteweri said.

Police said the suspects also broke into another property and robbed the occupant before targeting another complainant from whom they allegedly stole US$609 and four cellphones.

The suspects allegedly demanded keys to a Toyota March vehicle in an attempt to flee the scene. However, their escape attempt failed when the car became stuck in mud about 20 metres from the yard, forcing them to abandon the vehicle. A report was later made to the police, prompting officers to launch a search operation in the area.

Police arrested Conrad Moyo first, and he later implicated his accomplices during questioning.

Milford Sidhakwa was subsequently arrested at Gowerlands Farm in Beatrice. Investigators recovered several items believed to have been used during the robberies, including a bolt cutter, machete, axe, and electric shocker. Police also recovered US$780 in cash and nine mobile phones, which were later positively identified by the complainants.

The two suspects appeared before Magistrate Sharon Nxongo at the Beatrice Magistrates Court on 9 March. Public prosecutor Butt Malunga represented the State. On 11 March, the court sentenced the pair to 65 years’ imprisonment with labour. However, 15 years were suspended on condition that they do not commit a similar offence or any crime involving dishonesty within the next five years. Police said investigations are continuing as authorities search for the third suspect.

Hopley robbers jailed