Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
A 42-YEAR-OLD Chitungwiza man has been sentenced to an effective 14 years’ imprisonment for a string of violent robberies along the Harare-Mutare Road.
Victims were threatened with knives, stripped naked and dumped in the bush.
Isaiah Chiocha appeared before Rusape Magistrates’ Court on four counts of robbery where he denied the charges.
He was convicted after a full trial.
Provincial Magistrate Tendai Mahwe presided over the matter.
The court heard that Chiocha and his accomplices carried out coordinated attacks targeting unsuspecting passengers travelling between Harare and Mutare, using vehicles to lure victims. According to the State, on 24 April 2023, the gang used a silver Honda CRV to pick up passengers before striking at Chigudu Farm in Headlands.
“Armed with okapi knives, the accused and his accomplices threatened the victims with death, ordered them to undress, and robbed them of cash, cellphones, clothing and personal belongings.” In one incident, a victim had his hands tied with a rope after being robbed of cash, bank cards, cellphones, clothing and other valuables. “He was then dumped naked in the bush. In a related robbery the same day, another victim was threatened with a knife and robbed using the same method.”
The court also heard that the gang struck again on June 20, 2023 at Torish Farm in Rusape, this time using a black Nissan Serena. “Victims were again threatened with knives, stripped naked, tied up and abandoned in the bush after being robbed of cash, cellphones, clothing and other valuables.
“Detectives later recovered a Samsung A31 cellphone linked to one of the robberies.”
The total value of the stolen property ran into thousands of United States dollars, with only limited recoveries made.
In mitigation, Chiocha pleaded for leniency, but the court found that the nature of the offences warranted a custodial sentence.
Bongani Ndlovu