Harare Armed Robbery Gang Jailed 50 Years After Terrorising Residents

Southerton Business Times
13 hours ago
2 min read

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest and conviction of three Harare men who were sentenced to lengthy prison terms after carrying out a violent armed robbery spree that terrorised residents across the capital. The convicted trio Fanuel Kenias, 42, Stanley Mhondoro, 38, and Emson Mahlunge, 39, were handed an effective 50-year prison sentence for armed robbery, rape, and attempted rape committed in Greater Harare.

According to police, the suspects operated between March and April 2025, targeting residential properties in various suburbs across Harare. The gang allegedly used machetes and iron bars to attack victims before stealing cash, cellphones and household valuables.

Police said the violent nature of the attacks left communities living in fear as the suspects moved from one suburb to another, committing robberies. In a statement released on 22 May 2026, the ZRP said the accused also cleared rape and attempted rape charges linked to the robbery spree.

The breakthrough reportedly came on 7 May 2025 when detectives from CID Homicide Harare acted on intelligence connecting Fanuel Kenias to a robbery case that occurred in Dzivarasekwa Extension. Detectives swiftly tracked and arrested Kenias in Dzivarasekwa Extension. Police recovered a small Itel cellphone allegedly stolen during one of the robberies, which became a key piece of evidence in the investigation.

Following his arrest, Kenias reportedly implicated his accomplices, leading to the arrests of Mhondoro and Mahlunge. The suspects later guided investigators to several recovered stolen items, including machetes and iron bars allegedly used during the robberies.

The three men appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court on 22 May 2026, where they were convicted and sentenced by Magistrate Chakanyuka. The State was represented by prosecutor Mr Tapi. According to police, the court sentenced the trio to 50 years' imprisonment, with 10 years suspended on condition they do not commit similar offences within the next five years. The effective sentence means the three will each spend decades behind bars for the violent crimes.

Following the conviction, the ZRP urged members of the public to strengthen security measures at their homes and avoid exposing valuables to criminals. ZRP Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer Detective Inspector Muteweri said community vigilance remains critical in preventing violent robberies. Security experts say armed robbery syndicates targeting homes have become an increasing concern in urban areas, particularly during periods of economic hardship.

Crime analyst Victor Bhoroma said harsh sentences send a strong message against violent crime.