By Fanuel Chinowaita
CHIPINGE, 24 November 2025-Two brothers from Chikwanda Village have been sentenced to an effective 14 years in prison each after pleading guilty to a series of violent robberies that terrorised Chipinge District between October and November this year.
Joseph Mafondokoto (25) and Kudakwashe Mafondokoto (29) appeared before Chipinge magistrate Robson Chineka on 14 November 2025 facing seven counts of robbery committed in Daisyhill, Mistview, Glenview, Hangayi and Nyamuri areas.
The State, led by prosecutor Isaac Tangwena, told the court that the two—acting with their still-at-large accomplices Chakanetsa Mafondokoto and Tinashe Mashava—carried out night-time attacks on female-headed homes and business premises using machetes, iron bars and catapults.
According to the State outline, the gang would target isolated houses and shops during the early hours of the morning. They forced their way in using iron bars, assaulted victims by pelting them with catapult stones and threatened to kill them unless they handed over cash or valuables.
In some cases, victims were struck with machetes and left with bruises and deep cuts.
The robberies took place between 15 October and 12 November 2025, with the victims including: Tafadzwa Masunganidze (33) – assaulted and robbed of a 32-inch TV, shoes and washing powder.
Tsitsi Muteya (38) – robbed of US$35, a solar battery, inverter and speaker
Kudzai Bhamu (35) – attacked with stones and a machete, and robbed of cash and blankets
Kumbirai Njobo (43) – robbed of US$23, an Itel cellphone and clothing
Consider Dhliwayo (33) – robbed of a Huawei phone, compressor and welding machine
Businesswoman Sarah Maduro (46) – robbed of alcohol, cigarettes, clothing and three Monarch stoves
Tsitsi Ndaizingwi (37) – robbed of a 22-inch Keson television set
The court heard that the breakthrough came on 12 November, when ZRP Middle Sabi officers on patrol intercepted the four suspects carrying sacks of stolen property. Chakanetsa and Mashava escaped, while Joseph and Kudakwashe were arrested.
A search of their homes recovered catapults, concrete stones, a machete, an iron bar and a balaclava, confirming their link to the crimes. They also led detectives to all seven scenes of crime.
Stolen property worth US$3 800 was identified, and goods worth US$1 500 were recovered.
Defence lawyer Langton Mhungu, representing the brothers, told the court the accused had shown remorse by admitting the offences and assisting police.
Magistrate Chineka, however, ruled that the offences were too violent and widespread to warrant leniency.
He handed down the following sentences: Counts 1–3: 18 years imprisonment, with 4 years suspended.
Counts 4–6: 16 years imprisonment, with 4 years suspended.
Count 7: 9 years imprisonment, with 2 years suspended
The sentences will run concurrently, leaving the brothers with an effective 14-year jail term each.
The court was told that police are still searching for Chakanetsa Mafondokoto and Tinashe Mashava, believed to have participated in all seven robberies.
The case was remanded from 14 November and finalised on 19 November 2025, when sentencing was delivered.