By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
A Kariba magistrate has brought an end to a violent robbery spree that terrorised residents and businesses in Kariba and Karoi, sentencing a private security guard-turned-robber to two and a half years behind bars.
Macdonald Thomas, employed by Arms Global Security, was handed a 30-month sentence, with 12 months suspended on the condition of good behaviour.
He will serve 18 months effective imprisonment. Thomas also faces additional sentencing for three other robbery counts, with a court appearance scheduled for today.
Three other suspects linked to the same crime ring were convicted alongside Thomas. Two of them received 18-month sentences, with nine months suspended, leaving them to serve nine months each in prison. A fourth suspect remains unidentified and at large.
Violent Robbery Caught in the Act
According to the State, led by Chief Prosecutor Carren Musiwa, one of the key incidents occurred on the night of October 17, 2025, at Nyamhunga 3 in Kariba. The gang ambushed Eunice Musiwa (52) as she exited her vehicle around 10:00 PM.
Thomas and his accomplices—Trevor Mugodi (alias Muduzi), Chigariro Nheya, and another unidentified man—assaulted Musiwa with an iron bar, striking her on the right hand before fleeing with her handbag containing US$350.
A swift response by alert bystanders led to Thomas’s arrest at the scene. He was immediately handed over to the police.
Econet Heist Uncovered
Further investigations linked Thomas to a prior robbery on August 30. In that incident, Thomas, Mugodi, and Craig Mutorahweye (also still at large) attempted to break into an Econet shop in Kariba.
They disabled the CCTV system by smashing the cameras with stones, then forced entry by prying open the door with a metal object. The gang made off with 16 smartphones and two laptops valued at US$4,050.
Some of the stolen items—worth around US$600—were later recovered when Thomas was caught attempting to sell the phones.
Alarming Trend Involving Security Guards
Magistrate Simon Kandiyero, who presided over the case, noted the disturbing increase in robbery cases involving individuals employed in the private security sector. He urged employers to enhance vetting processes and called on the community to remain vigilant.
The case has reignited public concern over rising urban crime, particularly involving insiders with access to property or sensitive information.
Community Urged to Be Alert
Authorities are encouraging citizens to report suspicious activity promptly, particularly as year-end crime rates tend to spike. Residents and business owners in Kariba and Karoi have welcomed the sentencing as a much-needed reprieve.
“Criminals should know they are not above the law,” one resident said outside the court. “We feel safer knowing justice is being served.”
About Author
