Robber Gets 12 Years for Robbery

Harare — A 28-year-old robber has been jailed for 12 years after he and an accomplice allegedly targeted the same Harare home twice within weeks, eventually making off with a Honda Fit.

Bright Chiteshe of Nyakudya Village, Chief Rwizi, Mhondoro, was convicted on two counts of robbery and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Harare Magistrates Court.

His alleged accomplice, Brian Chiteshe (28) of Nehanda, Dzivarasekwa Extension, Harare, was acquitted.

The court heard that on February 15, 2026, at about 1.20am, Bright Chiteshe and Brian Chiteshe allegedly broke into the complainant’s home, threatened her and her son and ransacked the property.

They allegedly stole several electronic gadgets, including cellphones, a laptop and a tablet.

The pair also demanded the keys to a Honda Fit but failed to drive the vehicle and fled from the scene.

Police said the suspects returned to the same residence on March 1, this time allegedly gaining entry through a window.

They allegedly stole two cellphones, cash and the vehicle keys before driving away in the Honda Fit.

The stolen vehicle later became the key to the investigation.

On April 16, detectives from CID Homicide Harare reportedly received information that the Honda Fit was being advertised for sale on social media.

Follow-ups led detectives to Highfield, Harare, where the vehicle was recovered and the accused persons subsequently arrested.

The matter was heard before then Harare magistrate Donald Ndirowei, who is now a judge, while prosecutor Tariro Janhi represented the State.

On September 15, 2026, Ndirowei found Bright Chiteshe guilty on both robbery counts and sentenced him to 12 years in prison.

However, his co-accused, Brian Chiteshe, was found not guilty and acquitted.

The case highlights how repeated targeting of a residence can leave households vulnerable to further attacks, particularly where security measures are not strengthened after an initial break-in.

CID Provincial Community Relations and Liaison Officer Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri urged members of the public to avoid keeping large sums of cash at home and to strengthen security at their residences.

Muteweri also urged homeowners to remain vigilant and take additional precautions after any security breach.

Police said members of the public should strengthen security measures around their homes and avoid keeping large amounts of money on residential premises.