ROSELINE MUTARE
MASVINGO CITY – Rangarirai Mangoma (33) was sentenced to 24 years in prison by the Masvingo Magistrate Court yesterday for a string of robberies on businesses in the area.
Mangoma, of 1798 Nyadzonya Street, Aphiri, Masvingo, appeared before Magistrate Innocent Bepura, while the state was represented by Prosecutor Liberty Hove. He was found guilty on three counts of robbery, involving the theft of cash, cellphones, liquor, and other goods from three businesses in Masvingo.
The court heard that on February 5, 2026, Mangoma with his accomplices, armed with a pistol and machetes, broke into a beerhall at Mazare Business Centre, threatening the owner, Rosemary Ngwarai, with death if she did not hand over cash and goods. They made off with US$240, cellphones, liquor, and other items.
The following night, they struck again, this time targeting a bottle store at Mazare Business Centre, where they stole US$111 from the owner, Mavis Mangwanda.
On February 18, 2026, Mangoma and his gang attacked a shop at Dunira Business Centre, beating the owner, Rumbidzai Gwaringesu, with a machete and stealing cash, cellphones, and goods.
Mangoma was arrested on February 19, 2026, and led police to the recovery of some of the stolen items. He was positively identified by the victims during an identification parade.
In mitigation, Mangoma pleaded for leniency, citing his age and family responsibilities. However, Magistrate Bepura handed down the 24-year sentence, citing the severity of the crimes and the need to protect the community.
The total value of the stolen goods was US$947, with only US$127 recovered.
