Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 102
- 45
Eighteen armed robbers who raided businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws at Alpha and Omega Farm in Marondera have been sentenced to a combined 950 years in prison.
The gang, armed with rifles, pistols and other tools, attacked the farm on March 18, 2025, overpowering and assaulting security guards before forcing their way into the main house.
During the raid, family members were forced to hand over US$18,000 in cash. The robbers also took a safe containing an additional US$55,000.
Harare Regional Magistrate Masaiona Shortgame sentenced the 18 men after they were convicted following a full trial. The sentences were imposed for armed robbery and firearms-related offences, with a substantial portion of the prison terms running concurrently.
The accused had previously raised allegations of police torture during the investigation and trial.
The case has attracted significant public attention because of the victims’ links to prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo, while the lengthy sentences have been welcomed by some as a strong deterrent against violent armed crime.
The gang, armed with rifles, pistols and other tools, attacked the farm on March 18, 2025, overpowering and assaulting security guards before forcing their way into the main house.
During the raid, family members were forced to hand over US$18,000 in cash. The robbers also took a safe containing an additional US$55,000.
Harare Regional Magistrate Masaiona Shortgame sentenced the 18 men after they were convicted following a full trial. The sentences were imposed for armed robbery and firearms-related offences, with a substantial portion of the prison terms running concurrently.
The accused had previously raised allegations of police torture during the investigation and trial.
The case has attracted significant public attention because of the victims’ links to prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo, while the lengthy sentences have been welcomed by some as a strong deterrent against violent armed crime.
