Chisipiti Heist Gone Wrong: Ex-Employee’s Robbery Plot Backfires
A former employee, Ralph Mavura, has been arrested for his role in a foiled Chisipiti robbery attempt, a plot that involved his friend, Philip Semba, and a South African-based armed robber, Roy Mutemagazi.
Ex-Employee’s Betrayal Leads to Robbery Plot
The trio’s plan to target Mavura’s former workplace in Chisipiti was thwarted by a series of events, leading to their eventual capture and conviction.According to reports, on June 12, 2023, Mavura contacted his local friend, Semba, revealing that his former company kept large sums of cash at its premises. Pesuant to the information, they hatched a plan to rob the company.
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Guns and a WhatsApp Group
The duo then reached out to Mutemagazi in South Africa, bringing him into the fold. They ordered him to bring along with guns and other tools to execute the robbery.
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Mavura allegedly created a WhatsApp group, where he shared details about the company’s setup, laying the groundwork for the planned heist. The heist was set for June 25th.
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Border Bust, Guns Seized
However, the robbery never came to fruition. Mutemagazi was apprehended at a border post while attempting to smuggle firearms into the country. He was arrested and with him, the police recovered a Taurus pistol, a Baedda S56 cal 9mm gun as well as two magazines.
Robbery Plot Exposed
The police investigation took a dramatic turn when they unlocked Mutemagazi’s phone and discovered the robbery plan. On the 22nd of June, Semba was arrested, and he led to the arrest of Mavura.
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Convicted and Sentenced
The two local suspects, Mavura and Semba, appeared before a Harare magistrate’s court, facing charges of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. They were found guilty and sentenced to 8 years imprisonment of which 3 years were suspended. Mutemagazi, who displayed signs of mental instability, was committed to a mental institution.
