Three armed robbers slapped with 30 years imprisonment
Ephraim Munhuwei
Three Armed Robers namely Rainos Takawira (42) residing at number 1447 Highfieds Harare, Praise Gudyanga (27) of number 178 Rufaro Street Zimunya Mutare, and Tinashe Marimo (22) residing at David Marimo’s homestead Gwata village Chief Mushaninga Murehwa, were convicted of robbing Charity Mapiravana a commercial poultry farmer who residing at Plot number 133 Blinkwater, in Mvuma.
It is the court’s case that on 28 June 2022 at around 2000 hours, the three acting in common purpose were convicted, and hatched a plan to rob Charity Mapiravana.
The three proceeded to Charity’s place armed themselves with one pistol inscribed Gesichert serial number obliterated with a magazine of four live rounds, a one-star pistol serial number obliterated with a magazine of three live rounds, and one-star pistol with five live rounds in the magazine. Upon arrival, they were forced to open the dining room door to gain entrance.
Takawira and Gudyanga remained in the dining room guarding complaints from domestic workers whilst Marimo proceeded to Charity’s bedroom where they assaulted her on the head, and on the left arm several times using an iron bar, and a wooden axe handle which he picked in the bedroom. He threatened to shoot her whilst demanding cash, and other valuables.
Due to the assaults, Charity handed over her white Toyota Hilux car keys with South African registration number VZW092GP which was parked outside the house, two by 24volts Digimark solar power batteries, Ecco Amplifier, Bluetooth speaker, 4000watts pure wave power inverter, mobile cellphone, Tecno cellphone, 3000 watts Digimark power inverter, one adaptor, one by three pin plug, one solar charging controller, four crates of eggs which they loaded into the Toyota Hillux and cash amounting to $12,00 before driving away.
Charity proceeded to the Zimbabwe Republic Police ZRP Mvuma where she reported the matter and was further referred to Mvuma District Hospital.
On the 29th day of June 2022 at around 2300 hours, the convicted persons arrived at West GTS fuel service station in Mberengwa driving the Toyota Hilux VZW092GP, they then abandoned it and removed the number plates.
On the 30th day of June 2022 at around 1300 hours at Crocco Motors bus terminals in Masvingo convicted persons were arrested by the police detectives from CID Masvingo who were on surveillance.
Takawira was interviewed and led police detectives to Makusha village, chief Masvuugwa Chivi where they further recovered one by 24 volts Digimark solar power battery, Ecco Amplifier Bluetooth speaker, 4000 watts pure wave power inverter, one adaptor, one three-pin plug, one solar charging controller, three crates of eggs which were left in the custody of his mother Hlezepi Takawira.
Criminal Investigations Detectives Mvuma post visited Charity in the hospital who positively identified her recovered property.
The three stood before Magistrate Christopher Maturure who charged them with 30 years imprisonment each. Three years suspended on condition they don’t commit the same act, and two years suspended on condition that they pay back restitution.