Kadoma robbers jailed 12 years for violent Chakari attacks

Two unemployed men from Kadoma have been sentenced to an effective 12 years in prison after being convicted of a string of violent robberies in Chakari late last year. The pair, Ronald Rori (25) and Japhet Maskati (25), both from Destiny suburb, were found guilty by the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court on two counts of robbery, including one committed under aggravating circumstances.

The court heard that the first incident took place around midnight on November 18, 2025, when the duo broke into a woman’s home in Chakari. Armed with machetes, knives, and torches, the attackers confronted the 28-year-old victim while she slept, threatening to stab her if she did not surrender her valuables. In a violent escalation, one of the assailants struck her on the ankle with a machete.

“They were aggressive and threatened her life throughout the ordeal,” a court official familiar with the case said.

The pair made off with US$800 in cash, mobile phones, a power bank, and gold, with the total value of stolen items estimated at US$1,810.

In a separate incident on December 3, 2025, Rori and Maskati, together with an accomplice still at large, targeted a local gold dealer. Posing as customers, they gained access to the premises before producing a firearm and launching a coordinated attack. The victim was struck on the forehead with an iron bar while his wife was tied up and suffocated in an attempt to force her to reveal the location of cash and valuables.

“They used extreme violence to intimidate the victims,” said a source close to the investigation.

The gang fled with gold valued at more than US$20,000, along with mobile phones and a pistol with ammunition.

Magistrates imposed a combined sentence that effectively keeps the two behind bars for 12 years, citing the severity of the crimes and the use of weapons.

Legal analyst Kudzai Mupfumi said the ruling reflects the courts’ firm stance on violent crime. “Robbery involving weapons and physical harm is treated very seriously. Courts are sending a clear message that such offences will attract lengthy custodial sentences,” he said.

Authorities say investigations are continuing to track down the third suspect, who remains at large. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has urged members of the public with information to come forward.

The case adds to growing concern over violent robberies targeting both households and small-scale miners in Zimbabwe’s gold-rich areas. Security expert Admire Mare said criminals are increasingly targeting gold dealers due to the high value of the commodity.

“These attacks are often well-planned and involve significant violence,” he said.

Residents in Chakari have called for increased police patrols and improved security measures to curb crime in the area.

Kadoma robbery case