A notorious robber, implicated in the theft of US$74,000 from businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws, has been sentenced to 30 years behind bars. Bigboy Nampungo (27) confessed to being part of the gang that carried out the daring double raid on Alfa Omega Farm in Marondera. Harare regional magistrate Jesse Kufa initially sentenced him to 60 years but later merged some of the counts, cutting the final term in half.
Prosecutor Shambadzeni Fungura detailed how Nampungo, along with his accomplices, orchestrated the heist that saw them make off with a large sum believed to be part of Chivayo’s lobola payment. The robbery, which was divided into two counts, formed part of a string of six violent crimes to which Nampungo pleaded guilty. The court ruled that sentences for certain counts would run concurrently, effectively reducing his jail time.
One of the victims, farmer Gerald Gara Muteke (36), was asleep with his wife at Alfa Omega Farm when he was jolted awake by a disturbance. Sensing danger, he used his cellphone torch to shine under the bedroom door, hoping to distract the intruders. However, his attempt proved futile as the gang forcefully broke in, demanding cash and valuables at gunpoint.
The robbers ransacked the room, making off with US$18,000 in cash, a 9mm Sarsilmaz pistol, a Samsung S23 Ultra, and a Samsung S24 Ultra phone. They then coerced Muteke into opening a safe, where they seized additional assets. The total haul from this part of the operation amounted to US$25,000, though law enforcement later managed to recover items worth US$2,500.
Authorities have since intensified efforts to track down Nampungo’s accomplices, who remain at large. With his conviction setting a precedent, police warn that Zimbabwe’s courts are taking a hardline stance on violent crime. The case underscores the growing need for enhanced security measures as criminals continue to target high-value assets in daring raids.
