Zimbabwean court sentences 18 robbers to over 1,000 years in prison

Eighteen men have been sentenced to prison terms totaling over 1,000 years following a violent armed robbery at Alpha and Omega Farm in Marondera. The raid, which occurred on March 18, 2025, targeted the in-laws of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, resulting in the theft of US$74,000 in cash, firearms, and various electronic devices.

Harare regional magistrate Musaiona Shortgame handed down the sentences after the defendants pleaded not guilty. Nine of the convicted men were sentenced to effective terms of 76 years, while the remaining nine received effective terms of 55 years. The court ordered a substantial portion of the sentences to run concurrently.

The prosecution detailed a military-style attack where the gang used rifles, pistols, machetes, and iron bars to overpower security guards. During the raid, guards Petros Mabunhu and Medic Zhakata were assaulted with iron bars, and security personnel were bound with cable ties as the group looted the property.