Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway- Two men who terrorised motorists along Zimbabwe’s busy Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway have been sentenced to a combined 144 years in prison after being convicted of a series of violent armed robberies.
In a statement released on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed that Gift Maphosa (36) and Mpokiseng Dube (27) were convicted on three counts of Masvingo-Beitbridge armed robbery, following a wave of attacks that left travellers shaken and fearful. The crimes occurred over a two-month period, between December 2024 and February 2025, with most of the attacks taking place under the cover of darkness in Mwenezi District, Masvingo Province.
ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi provided details of the case, highlighting how the pair methodically targeted unsuspecting motorists travelling at night. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest and conviction of Gift Maphosa and Mpokiseng Dube for three counts of armed robbery, which occurred between 13th December 2024 and 22nd February 2025 along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway,” said Nyathi.
According to police investigations, the two men operated with precision and brutality. Their modus operandi involved placing obstacles on the highway to force vehicles to stop or slow down. Once the motorists were stranded or vulnerable, Maphosa and Dube would emerge from the bush, armed with firearms and machetes, to rob them at gunpoint. Victims were often stripped of cash, mobile phones, valuables, and sometimes even forced out of their vehicles, which were later found abandoned or stripped.
One of the most harrowing incidents occurred on 15 January 2025, when a family of five travelling from Harare to Beitbridge was ambushed just before dawn. The robbers reportedly fired shots into the air to instill fear and ordered the family to lie face-down on the roadside. The attackers made off with US$3,000 in cash, jewellery, cellphones, and several bags of personal belongings. The family was left traumatised but physically unharmed.
In another case, a cross-border trader en route to South Africa was assaulted and robbed of goods worth over US$5,000. Witnesses say the trader was beaten with a blunt object after refusing to hand over her handbag. She later required hospital treatment for her injuries.
Following multiple reports and a coordinated investigation, police tracked the suspects to a hideout in Chikombedzi, where they were arrested in late February. Several stolen items, including mobile phones and clothing belonging to victims, were recovered at the scene. Forensic evidence and victim identification helped build a strong case against the two men.
During the trial at the Masvingo Regional Court, the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence linking Maphosa and Dube to the crimes. Witnesses gave chilling testimonies describing the trauma they endured during the attacks. In handing down the sentence, the presiding magistrate condemned the pair’s actions as “cold-blooded, calculated, and extremely dangerous to society.”
Each man was sentenced to 72 years in prison, resulting in a combined sentence of 144 years. The court also ruled that 20 years of each sentence would be suspended on condition of good behaviour after serving a mandatory minimum of 52 years each.
Highway Terror: Two Armed Robbers Sentenced to 144 Years for Masvingo-Beitbridge Attacks
The sentencing was welcomed by members of the public, particularly those in Mwenezi and along the Masvingo-Beitbridge corridor, where travellers had grown increasingly fearful of night-time journeys. Many took to social media to praise the police for their swift action and the judiciary for delivering what they called “true justice.”
Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to remain vigilant when travelling long distances, especially at night. He also advised motorists to avoid pulling over in isolated areas unless absolutely necessary. “We encourage citizens to report any suspicious activity immediately and to work with police to keep our roads safe,” he said.
The conviction of Maphosa and Dube comes amid a broader police campaign to crack down on armed robbery syndicates operating across the country’s highways and remote areas. Several suspects have been arrested in similar cases over the past year, as law enforcement intensifies efforts to restore public confidence and safety.
As Maphosa and Dube begin serving their lengthy prison terms, authorities hope the sentence will serve as a deterrent to others who may consider engaging in violent crime. For the victims and their families, justice may not erase the trauma, but it marks an important step toward healing and reclaiming safety on Zimbabwe’s roads.
Source- iHarare
