By Tariro Kamudyariwa

A 19-year-old Redcliff teenager who led a string of violent robberies in a bid to raise lobola money has been sentenced to three years in prison.

Thomas Junior Mahungwa, described as the ringleader in the spate of armed attacks, was convicted for a series of crimes committed in May and June this year, alongside different accomplices.

He was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment, with six months suspended on the condition he does not commit a similar offence within the next four years when he appeared before Kwekwe Magistrate Mildred Matuvi last week.

According to court records, on 6 May 2025 around 1330hrs, Mahungwa and his accomplice, Andrew Matyorawuta, ambushed Nora Peter (44) in a small forested area between Rutendo High School and Redcliff shops. Armed with a knife, the duo threatened to kill her before forcibly taking her Itel P40 smartphone.

Earlier the same day, at around 1200hrs, they had already targeted Glory Hwehwe (60), robbing her at knifepoint and taking her handbag.

On 9 May 2025, using the same method at the same location, Mahungwa and Matyorawuta robbed Nosindiso Dingane of her Itel P55 smartphone. Minutes later, they struck again, targeting Ropafadzo Chindowu (18) and taking her Itel P37 while threatening her with a knife.

The final known incident occurred on 4 June 2025, when Mahungwa, this time with a different accomplice Michael Milani, attacked Blessing Khahle and stole his Samsung A05.

The suspects were arrested on 27 June 2025 following a police investigation.

Appearing before Magistrate Mildred Matuvi, Mahungwa and his co-accused pleaded guilty to all charges.

In his defense, Mahungwa claimed he committed the crimes in a desperate attempt to raise money for lobola.