2 Armed Robbers Jailed for 144 Years After Terrorising Travellers on Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway
Two men who went on a violent robbery spree along one of Zimbabwe’s busiest highways have been handed a 144-year prison sentence.
According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, Gift Maphosa (36) and Mpokiseng Dube (27) were convicted on three counts of armed robbery.
Police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the pair committed the crimes between December 2024 and February 2025, mainly targeting motorists travelling at night along the Masvingo-Beitbridge road.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest and conviction of Gift Maphosa (36) and Mpokiseng Dube (27) for three counts of armed robbery, which occurred between 13th December 2024 and 22nd February 2025, in Mwenezi, Masvingo,” Nyathi said.
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How Maphosa and Dube Targeted Travellers
The duo used a cruel but calculated method, which involved blocking the road with stones and waiting for vehicles to stop. When drivers got out or slowed down to clear the way, the robbers would emerge from the darkness with pistols drawn, threatening to shoot unless victims handed over cash and valuables.
Things turned violent in one case when two victims who tried to resist were shot and injured.
“On 22nd February 2025, detectives acted on received information that Gift Maphosa was one of the suspects committing some robberies along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road, where they would target unsuspecting travellers during night-time. The duo would set a trap for motorists by blocking the road with stones, and when motorists reduced speed or tried to remove the stones, the two would emerge from the darkness with pistols and threaten to shoot victims while demanding cash and valuables. In one of the cases, the duo shot and injured two victims after they had tried to resist,” Nyathi said.
Duo Jailed for 144 Years After Terrorising Travellers on Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway
Police managed to track them down after getting a tip-off about Maphosa’s involvement. After his arrest, Maphosa quickly pointed the finger at Dube, leading to his arrest in Beitbridge. Both men were convicted in the Chiredzi Regional Magistrates’ Court and sentenced to a jaw-dropping 144 years in prison.
“The detectives apprehended Gift Maphosa, who then implicated his accomplice, Mpokiseng Dube, leading to his arrest in Beitbridge. The two have since appeared before the Chiredzi Regional Magistrate Court, where they were both convicted and sentenced to 144 years imprisonment,” Nyathi added.
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