One of the armed robbers involved in a US$74,000 robbery at a farm owned by Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws in Marondera has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for this crime and four others.
Bigboy Nampungo, 27, was sentenced to 60 years by Harare regional magistrate Jesse Kufa after admitting his role in the robbery. The crime at Alfa Omega Farm was split into two counts. The stolen money was believed to be part of the lobola (bride price) paid by Chivayo to his in-laws.
However, the magistrate consolidated the sentences, allowing the sentences for the first and second counts to run concurrently, the third and fourth counts to run concurrently, and the fifth and sixth counts to run concurrently. This resulted in a reduced sentence of 30 years.
Prosecutor Shambadzeni Fungura presented evidence confirming Nampungo’s involvement in the crimes, a required step in the trial even when the accused pleads guilty.
Fungura told the court that one of the victims, Gerald Gara Muteke, 36, a farmer living at Alfa Omega Farm in Marondera, was asleep with his wife when he heard an unusual noise inside their house.
Fearing trouble, Muteke used his cellphone torch to look under the bedroom door. Moments later, the robbers broke in, demanding cash, and stole US$18,000 in cash, a 9mm pistol, and two Samsung phones.
They also forced Muteke to open a safe, from which they took more valuables. The total value of the stolen items during this part of the robbery was US$25,000, but some items worth US$2,500 were later recovered.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/chivayo-lobola-robber-gets-30-years/">The Herald</a>

Pindula News

A man named Bigboy Nampungo was sentenced to 60 years in prison for robbing a farm. He stole money that was part of a bride price paid by Wicknell Chivayo. The stolen items included cash, a pistol, and phones. The total value of the stolen items was $25,000, and some were later recovered. Nampungo admitted to the crime, so he got a reduced sentence of 30 years. Another man involved in the robbery is still at large.

Chivayo Lobola Money Robber Sentenced To 60 Years In Prison

Two suspected robbers who allegedly robbed Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws of US$74,000 at their Marondera farm appeared in court on Tuesday, March 25.
Peter Maramba Vhiya (43) and Takudzwa Maisvoreva (24), both from Chitungwiza, faced two counts of robbery before Regional Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa. They were informed that only the High Court could grant bail.
They were remanded to April 10 to allow for the case of a third suspect to be joined with their case.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Lancelot Mutsokoti told the court that on March 18, at around 1 AM, the pair, along with accomplices still at large, raided Alfa and Omega Farm in Marondera while armed with three rifles, two pistols, bolt cutters, machetes, and iron bars.
Mutsokoti further alleged that upon arrival, the suspects ambushed Petros Mabunhu, a security guard employed by DM Security, assaulting him with iron bars and kicking him repeatedly. They tied his hands and legs with cable ties before forcing him into the farmyard.
There, they encountered another guard, Zex Mutasa Rusike, disarming him of a shotgun without ammunition.
Rusike was similarly bound and marched to the front guardroom, where a third guard, Medic Zhakata, was also attacked and restrained.
The security guards were left under the watch of two armed accomplices while the rest of the gang broke into the main house.
Using bolt cutters, they forced entry through the burglar screen and kitchen door, eventually confronting Gerald Muteke in his bedroom.
Fearing for his life, Muteke surrendered US$18,000 in cash, a loaded Sarsilmaz pistol, and two Samsung smartphones (an S23 and an S24).
The gang then moved to Vimbai Muteke’s bedroom, where they demanded cash and the safe keys.
She handed over US$1,100, the safe key, and a Samsung Galaxy A35. Inside the main bedroom safe, the robbers took an additional US$55,000.
As the robbers continued their raid, Elphas Maruta, armed with a Lee-Enfield .303 rifle loaded with four rounds, advanced toward the house after being alerted of the robbery.
A shootout ensued, with Maruta firing two shots and the suspects firing back three shots.
The gang ultimately fled the scene with a total of US$74,600 in cash and valuables. The police later recovered stolen property worth US$3,800.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/2-suspected-chivayo-lobola-robbers-appear-in-court/">The Herald</a>

Two men are in trouble for stealing money from someone's family. They attacked the guards at a farm with guns and tied them up. They broke into the house and stole lots of money and phones. The robbers also had a shootout with a man who tried to stop them. The police managed to recover some of the stolen items. The two men are in court and will be back in April. They can't get bail until the High Court decides. They were caught with guns and other weapons.

Two Suspected Chivayo Lobola Money Robbers Appear In Court

Three people, including a police officer, have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery at a Marondera farm owned by the in-laws of businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
According to ZimLive, police sources revealed that the three suspects, all from Hopley in Harare, were arrested on Thursday by detectives from the CID Stores and Business division.
A constable, identified as Mukuva from the Kopje Police Station, is reportedly on the run after being linked to the crime.
The robbery occurred in the early hours of March 18, during which an estimated US$74,100 — part of the lobola (bride price) payment made by Chivayo for his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke — was allegedly stolen.
The suspects are scheduled to appear in court on Saturday.
Police believe as many as 20 people, some armed with firearms and machetes, were involved in the daring heist.
More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/3-arrested-over-75k-armed-robbery-at-home-of-wicknell-chivayos-inlaws/">ZimLive</a>

Three people, including a police officer, were arrested for robbing a farm owned by Wicknell Chivayo's in-laws in Marondera. The suspects took US$74,000 that was part of a bride price payment. One suspect, a constable, is still on the run. The robbery happened on March 18, and the suspects will appear in court on Saturday. Police think about 20 people with weapons were involved in the robbery. Source: ZimLive.

Three Suspects Arrested For Allegedly Robbing Wicknell Chivayo's In-Laws' Of US$74,000

Police have appealed for information to help identify and arrest the 20 suspects responsible for an armed robbery at Omega Farm in Marondera on March 18, around 1 AM, during which cash and valuables were stolen.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed on Tuesday that an investigation is underway into the robbery, during which the assailants took US$74,100 in cash, a pistol, a Samsung S24, a Samsung S23, a Samsung Galaxy A35, and other valuables.
The robbers, armed with rifles, pistols, bolt cutters, machetes, and iron bars, attacked the farm’s security personnel. 
Nyathi said the suspects assaulted family members, cut through burglar screens, forced open doors, and gained entry into the house.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, WhatsApp 0712800197, or the nearest police station.
Although Nyathi did not identify the victims, media reports indicate that the farm belongs to businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s father-in-law, Christopher Mudzingwa Muteke. 
The stolen money is believed to be part of the bride price Chivayo paid for his traditional marriage to Lucy “Lulu” Muteke on March 8. 
Chivayo has denied claims of paying US$300,000 in lobola but confirmed sending US$75,000 to his in-laws for the ceremony.

Police are looking for 20 people who robbed a farm in Marondera. The robbers took money, phones, and other things. They had guns, knives, and other weapons. They hurt people and broke into the house. The stolen money was for a traditional marriage. The police want people to help find the suspects. If you know anything, call the police.

Police Launch Manhunt For 20 Suspects Following Armed Robbery At Chivayo's In-Laws' Farm

A gang of 20 armed men reportedly raided the Marondera farm of businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws on Tuesday, March 18, stealing US$75,000 in cash and various personal items. 
The money is believed to be part of the bride price Chivayo paid for his traditional marriage to Lucy “Lulu” Muteke on March 8.
Chivayo denied claims of paying US$300,000 in lobola but publicly stated that he sent US$75,000 to his in-laws for the ceremony.
The raid occurred early Tuesday morning when gunshots were heard, prompting Chivayo’s father-in-law, Christopher Mudzingwa Muteke, to send an SOS to a local farmers’ group. 
Farmers who arrived quickly retreated after realizing the operation was highly organized and military-style, with a large group of armed men and a white truck nearby.
The farm is protected by three armed guards from a private security company and a fourth employed directly by the Mutekes. 
One of the guards, employed by DM Security, told police he was grabbed by one of the robbers before noticing a group of 19 men armed with rifles, pistols, bolt cutters, machetes, and iron bars. 
The gang assaulted the guard and tied his hands with cable ties before overpowering a second guard, and disarmed him of his shotgun. 
A third guard was struck on the head before the gang entered the house by cutting off a padlock.
Inside the house, the robbers confronted Gerald Muteke, 37, who handed over $18,000, his pistol, and two Samsung phones. 
They then opened the bedroom of Vimbai Muteke, 43, who gave them $1,100, her mobile phone, and the keys to a safe containing $55,000.
A neighbour, alerted to the raid, fired two shots from a distance, forcing the robbers to flee. Police later recovered an iron bar left behind by the gang, which will be tested for fingerprints.
More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/up-to-20-armed-men-seize-75000-cash-in-raid-at-chivayo-inlaws-farm/">ZimLive</a>

A group of 20 armed men robbed Wicknell Chivayo's in-laws at their farm, taking $75,000 and personal items. The money was part of a marriage ceremony payment. Chivayo denies paying $300,000 in lobola but admits to sending $75,000. The raid was highly organized with armed men and a white truck. The farm had armed guards who were overpowered by the robbers. The robbers took money and belongings from the family before fleeing when a neighbor fired shots. Police are investigating the incident.

20 Armed Men Rob Wicknell Chivayo’s In-Laws, Fleeing With US$75,000

Wicknell Chivayo recently introduced his girlfriend, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, sparking curiosity and raising questions about the nature of the relationship between the two men.
It is rare for someone to casually introduce their “wife-to-be” to the Head of State at State House, making this event all the more notable.
Posting on social media this Saturday, Chivayo described the reception they received from President Mnangagwa as “nothing short of remarkable.” He wrote:
<blockquote>
Yesterday on my way to church, I had the GREATEST pleasure and distinct honour of introducing my soon-to-be wife to HIS EXCELLENCY, the President. 
The highlight of it all is that my WIFE hails from the esteemed SHUMBA clan, saka ndatove MUKWASHA to the President himself, being a SHUMBA MURAMBWI… Hanzi “Iwe mfana une chokwadi kuda kuroora mwana wangu?” Ndikati ndingadii nhai Your Excellency KANA NDANYURA !!!
Our reception was nothing short of REMARKABLE and with his characteristic humour and satire, His Excellency warmly welcomed my wife as a DAUGHTER of the ROYAL Shumba lineage, inviting her to sit beside him , ini seMUKWASHA ndichingo ombera.
I deeply appreciate His Excellency’s wisdom shared on the principles of LOVE, respect, responsibility, mutual compassion and the importance of COMMITMENT in the institution of marriage.
</blockquote>
President Mnangagwa recently described Wicknell Chivayo as a philanthropist who uses his own resources to support charitable activities.
During a meeting with editors at State House, Mnangagwa dismissed allegations that Chivayo was acting as his “frontman” by distributing vehicles, cash, and other donations to various individuals, including members of the ruling ZANU PF party.
He asserted that he does not fund Chivayo’s activities and urged critics to investigate the source of Chivayo’s funds if they had any concerns.

Wicknell Chivayo introduced his girlfriend, Lulu, to President Mnangagwa. This is rare and raised questions about their relationship. Chivayo praised the President on social media. President Mnangagwa called Chivayo a philanthropist who supports charity. He denied funding Chivayo's activities and dismissed claims that Chivayo is his frontman. Mnangagwa told critics to investigate Chivayo's funds. Chivayo shared his meeting with the President on social media, highlighting the importance of love, respect, and commitment in marriage.

Chivayo Introduces Girlfriend, Lulu, To President Mnangagwa

Socialite Wicknell Chivayo’s ex-wife, Sonja Madzikanda, has responded after he claimed their marriage ended primarily because she couldn’t get along with his mother and sisters.
Chivayo and Sonja, who share two children, John and Minana, divorced several months ago after seven years of marriage.
Chivayo has been trending on social media after flaunting his new girlfriend, Lucy Muteke, whom he plans to marry this year.
On Tuesday, Chivayo claimed that he continues to support Sonja for the sake of their children and recently spent R2 million on their vacation in Vietnam and Japan. He wrote on social media:
<blockquote>
Leaving my ex-wife was undoubtedly one of the MOST DIFFICULT decisions I have ever had to make in my life.
Not only because I was used to her presence, but I love my children John and Minana INCREDIBLY.
However, our marriage faced IRRECONCILABLE differences that made it impossible to continue.
She struggled to get along with my family, including my DEAR late mother and all my 6 sisters, and the constant fighting became too overwhelming for me.
It reached a point where I felt that the person I was fighting for was not making an effort to support me when the world had turned its back on me.
This made the marriage IRRETRIEVABLY broken down. Despite these challenges, she remains a GREAT mother and a good person, and I continue to look after her exceptionally well and respect her as such.
</blockquote>
Sonja quickly responded, criticizing her ex-husband for “always making noise on the internet”, adding that they hadn’t seen each other in seven months. In a series of Instagram stories, she said:
<blockquote>
I don’t care who you marry. Marry and move… Respect your business partners, respect the offices you go in.
Why are you always making noise on the internet? Aren’t you supposed to be at church? Aren’t you supposed to be at kuMasowe?
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Wicknell Chivayo's ex-wife, Sonja Madzikanda, responded to his claims that their marriage ended because she didn't get along with his family. They have two children together. Chivayo is now dating someone new and plans to marry her. He says he still supports Sonja and their kids. Sonja criticized Chivayo for always causing drama online and said they haven't seen each other in seven months. She told him to respect his business partners and be more private. The couple's relationship seems strained even after their divorce.

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