Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura-Mutare Bureau
A Rusape man who pretended to be a Good Samaritan by accompanying a businessman to his homestead at night, only to rob him along the way, has been sentenced to five years in prison.
Tinotenda Muronzi (26) of Nyahukwe village in Rusape appeared before Rusape magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe, who convicted him of robbery and sentenced him to an effective four years after suspending one year on condition of good behaviour.
His accomplice, Courage Marova, remains at large and is now a fugitive from justice.
Prosecutor Ms Faith Mutukwa told the court that on February 15, 2026, at Bloom Off Village in Nyahukwe, Chief Makoni area, Muronzi and Marova were walking with the complainant, Marondera businessman Tonderai Makoni, accompanying him to his homestead.
Along the way, the two men pretended they were turning back to Nyamugure homestead, where Muronzi was employed.
However, after a few minutes, Muronzi followed the complainant, slapped him on the face, pushed him to the ground and held him down.
He then instructed Marova to insert his hands into the complainant’s pockets.
Marova took US$160 from Makoni’s wallet as well as a ZTE A36 cellphone and handed the stolen goods to Muronzi.
The two suspects then fled the scene and shared the cash. Muronzi later handed the stolen cellphone to his girlfriend, Abigail Chindowa, for safekeeping.
A report was made to the police, leading to Muronzi’s arrest and the subsequent recovery of the stolen phone from Chindowa.
The total value of the stolen property was US$259, comprising US$160 cash and the cellphone which is valued at US$99.The phone was recovered, but the cash has not been recovered.
Muronzi will serve an effective four years behind bars while police continue to hunt for his accomplice.
