Armed Robbers Jailed 12 Years as Cable Theft Syndicate Gets 10-Year Sentences
Two armed robbers have been jailed for 12 years each after attacking a sleeping couple in Seke, while four Harare men received 10-year prison terms for underground copper cable theft. CID has commended public cooperation in securing the convictions.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Two men who terrorised a sleeping couple during an armed robbery in Seke have each been sentenced to 12 years in prison, while four Harare men convicted of stealing underground copper cables have each been jailed for 10 years, in separate cases highlighting the Zimbabwe Republic Police's (ZRP) crackdown on violent and infrastructure-related crimes.
According to the ZRP, Phineas Goredema (24) and Simbarashe Mandaza (25) were convicted by the Chitungwiza Magistrates' Court after being found guilty of an armed robbery committed on 4 February 2026 at Rubatika Village under Chief Seke.
The court heard that the pair forcibly broke into a couple's home during the night after the victims had retired to bed. Armed with a pistol, the accused confronted the terrified couple in their bedroom, threatened them and ransacked the house before fleeing with US$2,803 in cash, a laptop, a car radio and several mobile phones.
The victims reported the matter to the police, prompting investigations by detectives. Acting on a tip-off, detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Marondera arrested the suspects on 27 February 2026. The investigation led to the recovery of the complainant's stolen car radio.
On 2 July 2026, Chitungwiza Magistrate Gloria Takundwa convicted both accused after the State, represented by prosecutor Pamela Dzinduwa, proved its case. Each offender was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment.
In a separate case, Silent Mushambi (21), Knowledge Choruma (23), Takunda Mukwambo (26) and Allen Chirenga (26), all from Harare, were each sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment on 8 July 2026 after being convicted of illegally excavating underground copper cables.
The four were arrested on 23 April 2026 after detectives from the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (MFFU) in Harare acted on information received from members of the public and caught them digging up underground copper cables at the corner of Woodlands and Shavet roads in Waterfalls, Harare.
Harare Magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka presided over the matter, while the State was represented by prosecutor Heather Mhlanga Muokoto.
Commenting on the successful convictions, CID Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer Detective Inspector Rachael Muteweri commended members of the public for their continued support in the fight against crime, saying community cooperation remains one of the police's strongest tools in bringing offenders to justice.
"The successful arrests and convictions in these cases demonstrate the importance of information supplied by members of the public. We commend citizens who continue to work with the police by reporting criminal activities. Collective efforts are essential in preventing crime, apprehending offenders and ensuring safer communities," said Detective Inspector Muteweri.
