Lawyer’s Fall from Grace: Elatone Bonongwe Jailed Over Violent US$30k Robbery Plot
A High Court has sentenced a prominent Bindura lawyer, Elatone Bonongwe, to an effective 15 years in prison after convicting him of orchestrating a violent robbery that left a rural district council engineer seriously injured.
Presiding judge Pisirayi Kwenda imposed 20-year sentences on Bonongwe and his co-accused—Musa Gandi, Justin Mwale and Terrence Musingwino—before suspending five years on condition of good behaviour.
Two other accomplices, Aubrey Chipashu and Agnes Kunaka, were each sentenced to 18 years imprisonment, with five years suspended.
Also Read: From Legal Luminary to Lawbreaker: Harare Lawyer Arrested for Orchestrating US$30K Robbery
Plot Hatched and Executed
The court heard that Bonongwe devised the robbery plan earlier in October 2025 and recruited his uncle, Gandi, to assemble a team.
The group armed themselves with an AK-47 rifle, a bayonet knife and iron bars before travelling to Mt Darwin in a Toyota Sienta. Bonongwe allegedly pointed out the target—Engineer Emson Chitsungo’s residence—before separating from the group.
Victim Brutally Assaulted
Once at the property, the gang scaled a precast wall to gain entry and launched a violent attack on Chitsungo.
He was reportedly assaulted with iron bars and burned with a hot iron as the attackers demanded money and valuables. The assault left him with a fractured forearm and severe swelling in both feet.
Cash and Goods Stolen
The robbers made off with clothing, electronic gadgets and US$1 600 in cash. The total value of stolen property was estimated at over US$30 000.
Police Intercept Getaway
The suspects’ escape was cut short when police intercepted them at a roadblock in Mazowe as they attempted to flee towards Harare.
The group tried to escape, prompting officers from the Support Unit to fire warning shots. Several suspects were arrested at the scene, while others were apprehended later.
Police recovered some of the stolen property, along with the weapons used in the attack, from the vehicle.
Digital Evidence Links Mastermind
Investigations uncovered WhatsApp messages that linked Bonongwe directly to the plot, including instructions to assemble the robbery team.
Authorities managed to recover property valued at approximately US$21 000.
Fall from Grace
The conviction marks a dramatic downfall for Bonongwe, who was once regarded as a respected legal practitioner, now facing years behind bars for his role in the violent crime.
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