Harare Rocked by Spate of Violent Robberies and Sexual Assaults: Brothers Face 24 Counts
Harare – A wave of terror has gripped residents in and around Harare following a series of brutal armed robberies and sexual assaults that occurred over a nine-day period last month. Two brothers, Fortune Ngoshi (32) and Pride Ngoshi (29), have been apprehended in connection with these heinous crimes and are now facing a staggering twenty-four counts of rape, indecent assault, and robbery.
The arrests come amidst growing concerns over rising crime rates in the capital, with police confirming that two more accomplices have since been taken into custody, bringing the total number of suspects arrested in this particular case to four. The Ngoshi brothers appeared before Harare Magistrate, Feresi Chakanyuka, yesterday, where they were remanded in custody and were not asked to plead. Prosecutors vehemently opposed bail, citing the gravity of the offences and the potential for the accused to abscond or interfere with ongoing investigations.
A Reign of Terror: Nine Days of Fear
The State alleges that between June 19 and June 28 this year, the Ngoshi brothers, acting in concert with their accomplices who remain at large, systematically targeted several homes across Harare. The gang was reportedly armed with a terrifying arsenal, including pistols, machetes, knives, and other dangerous weapons, instilling fear in their victims.
During their violent spree, prosecutors claim that numerous female complainants were sexually assaulted. In addition to the sexual violence, victims were robbed of their valuables, including cellphones, cash, and other household items. Disturbingly, some of the complainants were juveniles, whose identities are being protected in accordance with the law, underscoring the horrific nature of the attacks.
One particularly harrowing incident detailed by the State involved the gang forcing their way into a White Cliff home. There, they not only robbed the occupants of cash, groceries, and household property worth hundreds of United States dollars but also subjected several women and girls to sexual assault. In other incidents, the gang made off with substantial amounts of property; one complainant lost over US$2,800 worth of goods, while another suffered a loss of more than US$1,600 in cash and valuables.
Police Investigations and Recoveries
Police investigations have been swift, leading to the recovery of some of the stolen property. Among the items retrieved were several cellphones, a laptop battery, and a pistol, which is believed to have been used during the commission of one of the crimes. However, a significant portion of the stolen goods is yet to be recovered, indicating the scale of the gang’s operations.
The prosecution’s arguments against bail were robust. They highlighted that the offences are exceptionally serious and carry severe penalties upon conviction. Furthermore, prosecutors submitted that the accused possess strong incentives to abscond, could potentially interfere with witnesses residing in the same communities, and might jeopardise ongoing investigations, especially since some of their accomplices are still at large. The court also heard that the accused have no fixed residences, which would make them difficult to locate if released, adding another layer of concern for public safety.
Broader Context: A City Under Siege
This high-profile case is not an isolated incident but rather reflects a disturbing trend of violent crime in Harare. Recent statistics and reports paint a grim picture of the security situation in the capital and across Zimbabwe.
Just last month, on June 29, seven armed robbers were each sentenced to twelve years in prison for a violent robbery that took place at a school in Rainham, Harare. This conviction underscores the judiciary’s firm stance against such brazen acts of criminality.
Earlier in May, the courts delivered another significant sentence when convicted rapist Anymore Zvitsva was jailed for an astonishing 89 years. Zvitsva faced four rape charges, five attempted murder charges, and one robbery charge, highlighting the severe consequences for perpetrators of such crimes.
In a separate development on May 26, Fanuel Kenias (42), Stanley Mhondoro (38), and Emson Mahlunge (39), all residents of Harare, were collectively sentenced to fifty years in jail for various armed robbery offences. These arrests and convictions demonstrate the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to bring criminals to justice.
Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), has frequently confirmed the arrest of numerous suspected armed robbers in recent weeks, indicating a concerted effort to curb the surge in violent crime. The ZRP has also issued public advisories, such as the one on June 20, cautioning citizens against boarding illegal transport, commonly known as ‘mushika-shika’ vehicles, due to the associated risks of robbery and other crimes.
Harare’s crime situation has drawn international attention, with the city ranking ninth on the 2026 African crime index as of April, scoring 60.7 and placing it among the top ten cities with the highest crime rates on the continent. Furthermore, a Safeguard Crime Report for June 2026 revealed a nine per cent increase in crime incidents compared to the previous month, reinforcing the perception of a deteriorating security landscape.
Call for Vigilance and Justice
The arrests of Fortune and Pride Ngoshi, along with their accomplices, offer a glimmer of hope for the victims and the wider community. However, the sheer number of charges and the details of their alleged crimes serve as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by organised criminal gangs. The ongoing investigations and the pursuit of remaining accomplices are crucial steps towards restoring a sense of security for Harare’s residents.
The community remains vigilant, hopeful that justice will be served and that comprehensive measures will be implemented to address the root causes of this alarming rise in violent crime. The focus now shifts to the courts, where the Ngoshi brothers and their co-accused will face the full force of the law, as authorities continue their relentless fight against crime to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.