Armed robber jailed 21 years over US$108,000 Xinda Castings heist

A 42-year-old Harare man has been sentenced to a combined 21 years’ imprisonment for a US$108,000 armed robbery at a company in Ruwa.

Gabriel Mukambachaza was convicted and sentenced by the Harare Magistrates’ Regional Court after pleading guilty to armed robbery, attempted armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.

In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe said that on 13 September 2026, Mukambachaza and his accomplices, armed with pistols, iron bars and machetes, targeted Xinda Castings at Borders Estate, Ruwa.

According to the NPAZ, the group scaled the company premises and took helmets and work suits from a workshop, which they used to disguise themselves as company workers.

They then manhandled workers before confronting a Chinese female employee, Zhang Linge, and demanding cash. They threatened employees and stole US$108,000 in cash before fleeing.

One accomplice was arrested at the scene. Police investigations later led to Mukambachaza’s arrest.

Following his arrest, Mukambachaza led detectives to the recovery of US$5,000, a Star pistol, a Tokarev pistol, ammunition, handcuffs, fused cables, detonator emulates, and three balaclavas. In total, US$9,900 of the stolen money was recovered during the investigation.

Mukambachaza faced a second charge arising from an attempted armed robbery at Kurima Centre, 521 Access Road, Msasa, Harare.

The court heard that he and his accomplices, while armed, attempted to gain entry into the premises. The attempt was foiled after a security response team reacted to alarms triggered when the suspects broke office doors.

The third charge related to unlawful possession of firearms. Upon arrest, Mukambachaza was found in possession of a Star pistol, serial number 1419798, and a Tokarev pistol, serial number E5665, without valid firearm certificates or authority.

The Regional Court convicted him on all three counts and imposed a combined effective sentence of 21 years’ imprisonment.