By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
An armed robber who was part of a gang that stole US$74,000 in cash and valuables from businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws has been sentenced to 60 years in prison after being convicted on six counts of armed robbery.
However, Bigboy Nampungo, 27, from Chitungwiza, will serve an effective 30 years, as half of his sentence will run concurrently with the first three counts.
Nampungo’s co-accused Garikai Shangwa, Temptation Dinhidza, Arnold Tafirei, Tawanda Mushayatu, Mike Mhaka, Maramba Vhiya, and Takudzwa Maisvoreva are currently in custody and have been remanded until April 10, maintaining their innocence regarding the allegations.
During the trial, Nampungo pleaded guilty to all six counts, admitting that he and his accomplices robbed six individuals at Chivayo’s in-laws’ Alpha and Omega Farm on March 18, 2025, at approximately 1 AM. The victims included Zex Mutasha Rusike, Petros Mabhunu, Medic Zhakata, Tinotenda Shonhiwa, Gerald Muteke, and Vimbai Muteke.
The court heard that the gang devised a plan to rob the complainants and arrived at the farm armed with rifles, pistols, bolt cutters, machetes, and iron bars. Upon arrival, they confronted security guard Mabhunu, assaulted him, and bound him with cable ties. They then disarmed another guard, Rusike, and subsequently confronted Zhakata, who was also assaulted and restrained.
While two of the robbery suspects guarded the two injured security personnel, the others forced their way into the main house, where they used a bolt cutter to cut through the burglar screen. They demanded cash from the occupants, ultimately stealing US$18,000, a Sarsilmaz pistol, and various personal items.
The gang continued their search for valuables in the main bedroom, where they obtained an additional US$55,000 from a safe. During the robbery, an armed resident, Elphas Maruta, attempted to intervene by firing shots at the robbers, who returned fire before fleeing the scene with the stolen assets.
The total value of the goods and cash taken during the robbery was reported to be US$74,000.