Two Suspected Chivayo Lobola Robbers Appear in Court – Two men from Chitungwiza, Peter Maramba Vhiya (43) and Takudzwa Maisvoreva (24), have appeared in court facing charges of armed robbery. The duo, accused of participating in a violent heist at businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws’ farm in Marondera, allegedly stole cash and valuables worth US$74,600.

They were represented by lawyer Mr Kudakwashe Munyoro before regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa. The court ruled that bail could only be granted by the High Court, and they were remanded to April 10 to allow the consolidation of their case with a third suspect.

Brutal Farmhouse Raid

According to prosecutor Mr Lancelot Mutsokoti, the robbery took place on March 18 at around 1 AM when a gang, including the accused and accomplices still at large, stormed Alfa and Omega Farm. Armed with three rifles, two pistols, bolt cutters, machetes, and iron bars, they overpowered the security guards one by one.

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The first victim, Petros Mabunhu, was ambushed, beaten with iron bars, and tied up. Zex Mutasa Rusike, another guard, was disarmed of his shotgun and restrained alongside Medic Zhakata. While two of the robbers stood guard over the captives, the rest forced their way into the main house using bolt cutters.

Inside, they first confronted Gerald Muteke in his bedroom, forcing him to hand over US$18,000, a loaded pistol, and two Samsung smartphones. They then moved to Vimbai Muteke’s room, demanding cash and safe keys. She gave them US$1,100, a safe key, and a Samsung Galaxy A35. Inside the safe, they looted an additional US$55,000.

Their operation was interrupted when Elphas Maruta, armed with a Lee-Enfield .303 rifle, attempted to intervene. A shootout erupted, with Maruta firing two shots while the suspects retaliated with three. The gang ultimately escaped with their loot. Police later recovered stolen property worth US$3,800.

A Second Robbery Connection

Investigations revealed that the suspects were also linked to a separate robbery on February 25 at the home of Cossam Siminya. Around 3 AM, the gang, armed with pistols, sjamboks, and iron bars, broke into the house, awakening Siminya and his wife, Precious Makore, with the sound of barking dogs.

Makore, upon checking, heard banging noises at the back door and tried to seek help from a neighbor. The robbers forced their way inside, stealing a cellphone from Panashe Zhuwawo, who was sleeping in a spare bedroom. Outside, neighbors attempting to assist fled when one of the gang members fired two warning shots into the air.

The robbers then targeted another resident, Jane Manokore, stealing a 49-inch Samsung TV, US$700 in cash, and other valuables. Moving to Siminya’s bedroom, they looted US$10,000, an iPhone 14 Pro, a Tecno Spark 8, groceries, and household items. They also raided a tuck shop on the property, where they severely assaulted Bosco Chidukudze before stealing a cellphone.

The total value of goods stolen in this second robbery amounted to US$13,220, none of which has been recovered.