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Mashudu Mambo
THE long trial of a businessman-led gang of armed robbers from Hope Valley in Kensington on the outskirts of Bulawayo who ransacked a shop in a movie style has come to an end after they were slapped with a 12-year jail sentence.
The suspects, Limukani Khuphe (37), Uyapho Ndlovu (26), Lungisani Mpofu (24), Brendon Moyo (25), Edward Dave (45) and Shewunesu Nhliziyo (26), Benefit Vhudzi (37) and Witness Macebo (26) appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate, Joseph Mabeza facing a charge of armed robbery.
They all pleaded not guilty of the charge but after trial, Ndlovu and Mpofu were found guilty and convicted. The other six suspects were acquitted.
The duo was sentenced and three years of the sentence was suspended on condition of good behaviour. The duo will serve an effective nine years in prison.
The court heard that on May 9, 2023 at around 9 pm, the duo went to Hope Valley shops armed with pistols and a revolver. When they arrived at the shops, they emerged from different directions and produced pistols.
They fired two warning shots and ordered everyone to enter the bar and lie down. They went on to search for the barman and his patrons and stole US$90, four 750ml of Viceroy liquor and cellphones. After the theft, they locked the barman and his patrons inside the bar and went away.
On the next day at around 1am, they again teamed up and went to Zinqaweni Village in Sigola on the outskirts of Bulawayo and broke into one of the houses.
When they were inside, they threatened the owner of the house and his relatives with a pistol before robbing them of their money, cell phones and a laptop.
They also took the owner of the house’s car, an Altezza and sped off from the scene. The matter was reported to the police and investigations later led to the arrest of the gang.
The value of stolen property was $14 126, US$7 000 and property valued at $4 000 was recovered. In another robbery, the duo teamed up with Vhudzi, Macebo and one Bigboy who is still at large and hatched a plan to steal from Mbongeni Lubombo’s house in Rangemore. They went there while armed with a pellet gun and a pistol.
Upon arrival, they broke into the victim’s house and when he woke up, he met the duo in the sitting room and they threatened to shoot him and he fled to his bedroom.
They followed him and demanded cash, then they went on to steal a pellet rifle, a laptop, four cell phones and US$330. A report was made to the police and investigations led to their arrest. The value of stolen property was US$1 260 and that valued at US$300 was recovered.
Online Reporter