By Desire Tshuma
Harare – Eighteen armed robbers who stole US$74,000 from businessman Wicknel Chivayo’s in-laws during a late-night raid in Marondera in March last year have been handed a combined 950 years in prison.
Harare Regional Magistrate Musaiona Shortgame imposed the sentences this week after the 18 men were convicted on charges of armed robbery.
That works out to an average of about 52 years per person.
The court heard that in March 2025, the gang stormed the home of Chivayo’s in-laws in Marondera. Armed with firearms and other weapons, the robbers overpowered the occupants and made off with US$74,000 in cash.
Prosecutors told the court the robbery was premeditated and carried out with violence. The State argued that such crimes threaten public safety and require deterrent sentences.
In handing down judgment, Magistrate Shortgame said armed robbery involving firearms and large sums of money could not be treated lightly. He noted that the sentences were meant to send a clear message that violent crime will attract severe punishment.
All 18 accused were convicted and sentenced accordingly. The court did not indicate how much, if any, of the stolen money had been recovered.
The case drew public attention due to Chivayo’s high profile as a businessman. Police at the time said investigations were ongoing to establish whether the suspects acted alone or as part of a wider criminal syndicate.
The sentencing brings to a close one of the most high-profile armed robbery cases in Mashonaland East in recent years.
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