Armed Robber Receives 30-Year Sentence After Swift Trial in Zimbabwe

Bigboy Nampungo was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to six counts of armed robbery, which involved stealing US$74,000 from businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws. His associates remain in custody as they deny the allegations. The robbery involved violence against security guards and extensive planning by the perpetrators.

In Harare, an armed robber named Bigboy Nampungo, aged 27 from Chitungwiza, has been sentenced to 60 years in prison after being convicted on six counts of armed robbery. However, he will serve an effective 30 years as half of his sentence runs concurrently with his first three counts. Nampungo was part of a gang that robbed businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws, stealing US$74,000 in cash and valuables.

During the trial, Nampungo pleaded guilty to the charges related to the robbery at Alpha and Omega Farm in Marondera, which occurred on March 18, 2025, at approximately 1 AM. His co-accused, including Garikai Shangwa, Temptation Dinhidza, Arnold Tafirei, Tawanda Mushayatu, Mike Mhaka, Maramba Vhiya, and Takudzwa Maisvoreva, have all been remanded in custody until April 10, pleading not guilty.

The robbery involved a premeditated attack where the gang used firearms and various weapons to overpower security guards at the farm. They assaulted a guard named Petros Mabhunu and demanded information about other guards. The assailants tied both Mabhunu and another guard, Medic Zhakata, with cable ties and confiscated their weapons.

Following their threats, the robbers proceeded to inflict violence, demanding valuables from various individuals present. They seized U.S. currency and valuables, including a loaded pistol, and coerced Vimbai Muteke into leading them to a safe from which they extracted a significant amount of cash. The ordeal ended when Elphas Maruta, another guard, fired shots at the robbers as they fled the scene with their stolen goods.

The total value of the stolen items has been confirmed to be US$74,000, further contributing to the severity of the crime and the resultant sentence for Nampungo. The legal proceedings reflect the court’s intent to address violent crimes rigorously.

This case highlights the serious nature of armed robbery and the judicial system’s commitment to addressing it through significant sentencing. Nampungo’s effective 30-year sentence serves as a warning to others regarding the consequences of engaging in such violent criminal activities. The swift legal actions taken against the accused demonstrate the importance of law enforcement and judicial efficiency in managing crime.

Original Source: www.zimlive.com