Chipinge Robbers Jailed 29 Years for Violent Business Centre Heist

 

Two men from Chipinge have been sentenced to an effective 29 years in prison for a violent robbery at St Kelvin Business Centre that left victims traumatised.

Witness Makonyedzeni (26) and Blessing Nyabowa (26) were convicted on three counts of robbery by the Chipinge Regional Magistrates' Court.

The court heard that on February 26, 2026, the duo—armed with a toy pistol, machete, claw hammer, and pepper spray—stormed a shop and terrorised staff and customers.

During the attack, the robbers sprayed the shop owner with pepper spray before stealing her cellphone, US$60, R200, a radio set, and airtime worth US$4.

They also robbed two other victims of their cellphones at knifepoint.

The pair was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with 12 months suspended on condition of restitution, leaving an effective sentence of 29 years.