A violent robbery along the Zvishavane–Masvingo Road has resulted in the imprisonment of five men, who were sentenced to 30 months in prison by the Zvishavane Magistrates’ Court.
The incident occurred on January 25, 2026, when Tafadzwa Phiri, 21, Freddy Ben, 30, Clayton Gwauya, 33, Matibini Edward Moyo, 23, and Naphtal Dube, 34, targeted two soldiers near the Zvishavane Aerodrome.
The victims had stopped their vehicle after suffering a tyre puncture, leaving them vulnerable to the attack.
The offenders, who arrived in two getaway vehicles—a Toyota Fun Cargo and a Toyota Probox—were armed with a machete and empty beer bottles.
Despite the victims identifying themselves as soldiers, the robbers made off with cash, bank cards, tools and four teddy bears, with the stolen property valued at US$423.
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The heist was later foiled after police received a tip-off, leading to the arrest of the suspects in Zvishavane.
Both getaway vehicles and three of the stolen teddy bears were recovered.
The court initially sentenced each offender to 48 months’ imprisonment, with eight months suspended.
A further 10 months were suspended on condition that the offenders pay restitution of US$36 and US$47 to the respective victims.
This leaves each offender with an effective prison sentence of 30 months.
The prosecution was led by Tsvangirai, who successfully argued for the conviction and sentencing of the offenders.
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