FAITH NDOU
Gwanda – Four men from Chief Mazetese area in Mberengwa have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms by Magistrate Sithembiso Ndebele at the Gwanda Regional Court, following a series of armed robbery incidents.
Malvin Maranganya (19) and Fornate Maranganya (26) were each sentenced to 24 years in prison while Prince Sibanda (23) and Tatenda Ndlovu (23) were sentenced to 12 years each.
The quartet was convicted after being linked to multiple robberies carried out between March 29 and April 1, 2026.
According to CID Provincial spokesperson, Detective Inspector Rachael Muteweri, the gang employed deceptive tactics to lure victims before striking.
In one incident on March 29, Mutweri said the suspects posed as genuine customers at a food outlet, ordered meals and briefly left the premises. They later returned armed with a pistol, threatened the vendor and stole cash amounting to ZAR1 000 before fleeing.
The gang continued its spree at a nearby bus stop where they targeted a commuter waiting for transport and the victim was threatened and robbed at gunpoint.
In a separate incident on April 1, the suspects allegedly disguised themselves as gold dealers to approach another victim. They produced a firearm and robbed the complainant of ZAR15 000.
However, a struggle ensued during the robbery leading to the victim disarming one of the accused.
Muteweri said Police investigations intensified and, on April 15 after detectives received information on the suspects’ whereabouts.
This led to the arrest of Malvin Maranganya, who implicated his accomplices and the rest of the gang members were subsequently apprehended in Gwanda.
Authorities revealed that the group was responsible for three armed robbery cases involving stolen cash totalling ZAR17 760 and US$100, none of which was recovered.
The accused appeared before the Gwanda Regional Court, with Zanele Sithole representing the State.
Police have reiterated calls for members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help curb violent crime.
