Seven Men Sentenced to 12 Years for Harare Home Invasion Robbery
By Staff Reporter
In a case that has shocked the local community, seven men have been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a brutal home invasion robbery that took place on November 29, 2022.
The accused, Paul Makamelo, Kelvin Zimomo, Sign Makamelo, Partially Makamelo, Tonderai Norest Chibvongodze, Christopher Sithole, and Innocent Kasu, appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court to face charges stemming from the incident.
The elderly victims, James Abrahams, 89, and his wife, were in their bedroom around 7:00 PM when four of the accused burst into their room, armed with knives and iron bars.
The robbers demanded money and began ransacking the room. When Abrahams told them he did not have any cash, one of the assailants kicked him and ordered him to sit down.
The robbers then produced a nylon cable to tie up Abrahams and his wife, forcing them to sit on the floor. While some of the attackers picked up the safe from the floor and placed it on a chair, others continued to assault the elderly couple.
Eventually, they untied Abrahams’ wife, who retrieved the safe’s keys from a cupboard and handed them over.
Despite obtaining the keys, the robbers failed to open the safe and decided to take it with them. The safe contained $55,000 in cash, gold, and other valuables. After locking the couple in their bedroom, the robbers fled the scene.
A police report was filed promptly, and subsequent investigations led to the arrests of the seven accused.
The total value of the stolen items amounted to $62,415, of which $6,000 was recovered.
The swift action and thorough investigation by law enforcement were praised by the community and officials.
The Harare Magistrates’ Court delivered the verdict, sentencing each of the seven men to 12 years in prison.
The sentence serves as a stern warning against violent crime and highlights the commitment of the judicial system to protect citizens and uphold justice.
