Story By: Antony Chawagarira
A notorious armed robber and suspected murderer, Daniel Munyanyi (50) of Dume Village under Chief Ndanga, is now serving an effective 185-year prison sentence, one of the longest custodial terms imposed in Zimbabwe since the abolition of the death penalty.
Munyanyi’s sentence was recently extended after Masvingo Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura added a further 36 years following his conviction on three additional counts of armed robbery.The hardened criminal has so far been convicted on more than 30 counts that include armed robbery, attempted murder, unlawful entry, theft and robbery. He is also expected to appear before the High Court to answer to two separate murder charges that are still pending.
In the latest matter, Magistrate Bepura sentenced Munyanyi to 12 years imprisonment on each of the three counts of armed robbery, bringing his cumulative sentence to 185 years.Court proceedings revealed that the violent robberies were committed between January and February 2026 in and around Mutare, where Munyanyi operated with accomplices who are still at large.
The court heard that on January 15 this year, Munyanyi struck in Penhalonga where he shot and injured Naison Mapanzure and Collen Makombe during a robbery. He stole 27.3 grams of gold, CCTV equipment and US$3 500 cash before fleeing the scene.
In another incident on February 18, 2026, Munyanyi attacked Cephas Ndekwere and Collins Mawawadza at Plot 21, Can Do Farm in Odzi. During the attack, he assaulted the victims and stole a Ford Ranger vehicle, a Samsung S21 Ultra cellphone and an undisclosed amount of cash. Detectives later recovered the stolen vehicle along the Mutare Highway.
The following day, Munyanyi carried out yet another armed robbery along Grange Road in Mutare, where he confronted Mupungu Mutatayi and Taremekedzwa Maitsvakeyi at gunpoint.
He stole US$6 200, cellphones and a Toyota Fortuner GD6 before escaping.
Police later recovered the vehicle and some of the stolen property near Christmas Pass.State prosecutor Innocent Mudzingwa handled the case.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to track down Munyanyi’s accomplices, who remain on the run, while preparations are underway for his pending High Court trial on two murder counts.
New Ziana
