Chitungwiza Man Jailed 10 Years After Violent Mercedes-Benz Robbery in Avondale
A Chitungwiza man has been jailed for 10 years following a terrifying armed robbery in Avondale that saw the victim abducted, tied up, robbed of thousands, and dumped in Nyabira.
Lot Gwesu (35) of Zengeza 5, along with two accomplices still on the run, targeted a motorist on 11 July 2025 as he was parking at a restaurant. Armed with a pistol, the gang forced the victim to drive towards Westgate while Gwesu followed in his white Mercedes Benz.
At Westgate Roundabout, the criminals hijacked the vehicle and drove to a secluded spot along Nemakonde Way. There, the gang tied the victim with cable ties, ransacked his car, and stole two jackets, an iPhone 14, an iPhone X and US$840 cash before dumping him in Nyabira.
Detectives acted swiftly, arresting Gwesu on 23 July 2025 after receiving information linking him to the robbery. Police recovered the getaway Mercedes Benz and the victim’s iPhone 14 — although the rest of the stolen property is still missing.
The total value stolen amounted to US$5,840, with only US$1,200 recovered.
The National Prosecuting Authority says the conviction is part of an aggressive crackdown on armed robbery networks.
