Two young villagers from Mvurwi have been arraigned before the Guruve Magistrates’ Court in connection with two violent robberies that took place in rural Mashonaland Central on the night of September 29 and early morning of September 30, 2024.
The accused, Morebright Nhemachena (18) and Memory Mutandwa (20), face two counts of robbery as defined in Section 126 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
The suspects, who are both unemployed and reside at Village 5, Chihwe Farm, are alleged to have conspired with a third accomplice, Elvis Chacheka—still at large—to carry out a series of nighttime home invasions in remote farming communities.
In the first case, police say the suspects broke into the home of 49-year-old Edson Nyozani in Village 1, Donzi Farm, at approximately 00:30 hours.
The accused allegedly assaulted Nyozani with a whip while demanding valuables.
They reportedly took US$300 in cash, 8 kilograms of brown sugar, a loaf of bread, and a tin of jam.
The total value of the stolen goods was US$315, none of which has been recovered.
The second incident occurred shortly afterward in Village 4, Chihwe, where the pair allegedly attacked 41-year-old Jane Nyamunera.
After forcing entry into her home, the suspects are said to have slapped and threatened her, demanding cash.
They allegedly made off with US$75 hidden in a paper bag and an Itel P37 cellphone that was under her pillow, valued at US$185.
Nyamunera reported the matter to Vilvekia Police Post.
Investigations led to the arrest of the two suspects by CID Mvurwi under case references CR MV 04/09/24 and CR MV 05/09/24, and docket numbers DR 09/09/24 and DR 10/09/24.
On June 12, 2025, Nhemachena was taken for indications and reportedly identified the exact locations of both crimes, which matched the complainants’ descriptions.
These indications were officially recorded and will be used as evidence in court.
The accused remain in custody pending further court proceedings.
The third suspect, Chacheka, remains at large as police continue investigations.