Arm Robber Sentenced to 30 Years for Chivayo In-Laws’ Heist

Bigboy Nampungo, aged 27, was sentenced to 30 years for his role in a robbery that stole US$74,000 from businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws. He pleaded guilty to six charges of armed robbery alongside accomplices who remain in custody. The robbery occurred on March 18, 2025, at Alpha and Omega Farm, involving violence against security guards.

In a significant legal proceeding, Bigboy Nampungo, aged 27 from Chitungwiza, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his involvement in a robbery that netted US$74,000 from the in-laws of businessman Wicknell Chivayo in Marondera. Initially sentenced to 60 years, Nampungo’s effective term was halved due to concurrent sentencing on three counts.

Nampungo pleaded guilty to six counts of armed robbery, admitting to robbing six individuals at Alpha and Omega Farm last month. The victims included Zex Mutasha Rusike, Petros Mabhunu, Medic Zhakata, Tinotenda Shonhiwa, Gerald Muteke, and Vimbai Muteke, with the incident occurring around 1 AM on March 18, 2025.

The assailants arrived at the farm armed with rifles, pistols, and various weapons, and forcibly confronted the security personnel. Reports detail that Mabhunu, the security guard, was assaulted and restrained while the gang proceeded to demand cash from the other guards.

During the crime, two of the security guards were held at bay while the remaining gang members entered the main house after cutting through burglar security. They coerced guards into surrendering cash and valuables, including US$18,000 and various electronics. An armed response from a nearby individual led to a brief confrontation as the gang fled with the stolen goods.

The total value of the items stolen was reported to be US$74,000, underscoring the gravity of this armed robbery case and the swift actions of the law enforcement that follow such violent crimes.

The recent sentencing of Bigboy Nampungo to 30 years reflects a significant legal response to organized armed robbery in Zimbabwe. His guilty plea and the admission of guilt regarding the armed robbery of Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws highlight issues of security and law enforcement in the region. Furthermore, the total theft amounting to US$74,000 raises concerns about crime rates and safety measures in residential areas.

Original Source: www.zimlive.com