Harare Duo Sentenced To Nine Years For Stealing US$5,631, R26,600 From Mukuru
Two Harare men have been jailed for an effective nine years each for holding up a Mukuru Money Transfer teller at gunpoint and stealing US$5,631 and R26,600 at a Mabelreign branch.
Tanaka Java, 42, and Ronald Rupare, 28, were sentenced by the Harare Magistrates’ Court following the robbery at Zuva Service Station on February 7, 2026.
The pair committed the crime with a third suspect who remains at large.
Also Read: Mukuru Robbery: Police Details How Armed Robbers Stole More than US$78 000 and R501 000
Teller Threatened At Gunpoint
The robbery occurred around midday when the teller returned from the toilet and opened a back door at the Mukuru branch.
Java and Rupare reportedly confronted her with a firearm and ordered her to open the safe before taking the cash and fleeing.
Public Helps Catch Suspects
Their escape was short-lived after a worker from a nearby business pursued them while calling for assistance, prompting members of the public to join the chase.
Java was apprehended by members of the public, who recovered a balaclava and R10,000. Rupare was later arrested by two police officers on patrol.
The suspects and recovered cash were subsequently handed over to the police. The robbery was also captured on CCTV footage.
How The Nine-Year Sentences Were Calculated
The court sentenced each man to 12 years in prison. Two years were suspended for five years on condition that they do not commit a similar offence.
A further year was suspended on condition that each offender restitutes Mukuru US$2,815.50 and R8,300.
After the suspensions, each man was left with an effective nine-year prison term.
NPA Warns Against Armed Robbery
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) reiterated that armed robbery is a serious criminal offence that attracts severe consequences.
The authority also urged businesses and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected criminal activity to the police.
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