Three additional suspects linked to the violent armed robbery at businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws’ farm in Marondera have been arraigned, raising the number of arrests in the case to 18. The suspects — Shingirai Bhaureni, Dave Saurombe, and Munyaradzi Chakanetsa — appeared before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa on Monday and were remanded in custody. They were advised to seek bail through the High Court.
Their court appearance follows sustained police investigations into the March 18 robbery at Alpha and Omega Farm, which left the community in shock due to its scale, violence, and coordination.
According to prosecutors, the three accused were part of a heavily armed and well-organized gang that carried out a pre-dawn assault on the farm. The gang allegedly arrived with a cache of weapons including three rifles, two pistols, machetes, iron bars, and bolt cutters, indicating extensive planning and a readiness for violence.
The raid was launched with a surprise attack on the security personnel stationed at Chivayo’s property.
The raid began with an ambush on Chivayo property’s security guards. Petros Mabunhu, the first to be attacked, was reportedly beaten with iron bars and restrained using cable ties. The gang then overpowered two additional guards — Mutasa Rusike and Medic Zhakata. Rusike was disarmed of his unloaded shotgun, while Zhakata suffered multiple blows to the head before being tied up alongside his colleagues.
With the security personnel neutralized, two robbers were stationed to guard them while the rest advanced toward the main residence. After cutting through a burglar screen, they forcibly entered the home and stormed into Gerald Muteke’s bedroom.
Held at gunpoint, Muteke was forced to hand over US$18,000 in cash, a loaded Sarsilmaz pistol, and two Samsung smartphones. The attackers then confronted Vimbai Muteke in another room. She handed over US$1,000 in cash, a Samsung Galaxy A35, and the key to a Chubb safe.
Under duress, she was escorted to the master bedroom where she opened the safe, surrendering an additional US$55,000 in cash. In total, the robbers made off with over US$85,000 in money and valuables.
As the gang attempted to flee, their path was interrupted by Elphas Maruta, a rapid response security operative armed with a .303 rifle. Maruta reportedly fired two warning shots, which were answered by the robbers with gunfire of their own. Despite the exchange, the gang managed to escape.
Following the attack, police recovered property valued at approximately US$6,300. Authorities say investigations remain active, with efforts underway to trace the remaining suspects and locate the outstanding stolen items.
Further complicating matters for the accused, the trio is also facing additional charges related to a separate armed robbery on February 25 in Zengeza 4. In that incident, the suspects are believed to have broken into the home of Cossam Siminya while he and his wife were asleep, further reinforcing the allegations of their involvement in serial organized crime.
State prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti outlined the chilling sequence of events in court and emphasized the gravity of the offences, indicating that the full extent of the gang’s criminal activities is still being uncovered. A full trial is expected once the investigation concludes.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police continue to urge citizens to remain alert and report suspicious behavior, especially in areas where criminal syndicates may operate. The case has renewed national concern about security in farming regions, often seen as soft targets by organized gangs.
Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to bringing all those responsible to justice, emphasizing that high-profile criminal acts will not be tolerated or go unpunished. Law enforcement agencies say they are intensifying investigations to ensure every suspect involved is held accountable. The government has also vowed to strengthen security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, underscoring that the safety of citizens and the integrity of the justice system remain top priorities in the wake of such brazen attacks
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