Moffat Mungazi
Tinofara Chiwanza
Court Reporter
TWO suspected robbers who had unleashed a reign of terror in Dangamvura, violently stealing valuables from residents early this year, were arrested and appeared before Mutare magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe facing robbery and theft charges.
Percy Nechironga and Leeroy Mandiusodza were each sentenced to five years in jail, before six months were suspended on the usual conditions.
An additional six months was also suspended on condition they restitute the victims US$116 each, meaning they will serve four years each in prison for the first charge.
On the second charge, Mr Mahwe ordered them to pay a fine of US$150 by April 14, or face 30 days in jail.
Nechironga and Mandiusodza had pleaded not guilty to charges of contravening provisions of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act (Chapter 9:23) that penalizes robbery and theft.
Mrs Sharon Mlambo prosecuted.
The first charge of robbery involves an incident that took place on January 24, 2025, around 8pm at Dangamvura Primary School in Mutare.
The complainant, Francis Muriwa (41), was walking along a footpath when he was suddenly confronted by the two.
“The accused persons emerged from the dark and attacked the complainant. They grabbed him by the neck and threatened him with a sharp object. They demanded cash and valuables from him, and fearing for his life, the complainant complied,” she said.
The two allegedly forcibly took Muriwa’s Samsung A12 cellphone, iPhone S6, US$82, and a portable bag containing an additional US$20.
After the theft, Nechironga and Mandiusodza fled the scene.
“Francis Muriwa, despite the assault, managed to report the crime promptly. This led to a swift police investigation. It was through diligent police work that the accused were later arrested in Dangamvura.”
The second charge involves a theft that occurred on March 3, 2025, at Depression bus stop in Dangamvura. It is alleged that Nechironga and Mandiusodza unlawfully took a Samsung A53 cellphone from Zero Lewis Tanatswa.
“The accused knew or suspected that Zero Tanatswa was entitled to own, possess, or control the property. Yet, they took it unlawfully, with the intent to permanently deprive him of it,” she added.
Following the robbery, a thorough investigation was conducted by the Mutare Police, culminating in the arrest of Nechironga and Mandiusodza.
On March 6, 2025, the accused reportedly assisted the police by leading them to the scene and indicating where the stolen items were hidden.
“The accused men, during questioning, led the police to Wilbert Murahwa, where a portable bag containing the stolen goods was recovered. Murahwa had unknowingly received the bag from the accused. The police were able to recover part of the stolen property, which will be presented as evidence in the trial.”
The total value of the stolen goods on the first charge, including the phones and cash, totaled US$242. However, only US$10 of the stolen money was recovered.
“The accused have a clear history of criminal activity, and their actions on the night of January 24, 2025, demonstrate a blatant disregard for the victim’s rights. They had no right to act in the violent and unlawful manner that they did,” said Mrs Mlambo.
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