Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza-Herald Correspondent
FREELANCE journalist Moses Nyakatangure has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to armed robbery charges.
Harare regional magistrate Mrs Letwin Rwodzi initially imposed a 12-year sentence, but suspended one year on condition of good behaviour and an additional six months contingent on restitution.
The victim, Mr Effort Masunda (26), is a taxi driver.
State prosecutor Loveit Muringwa said on July 25 this year, Nyakatangure approached Mr Masunda while he was seated in his white Toyota Aqua vehicle, parked at corner Mbuya Nehanda and Jason Moyo, waiting for clients.
Nyakatangure knocked on the window and requested to hire the vehicle to Greendale, Harare. After agreeing on a fare of US$5, Mr Masunda unlocked the doors, allowing Nyakatangure to enter.
Upon arrival at the destination, Nyakatangure instructed Mr Masunda to move the vehicle away from the gate to a nearby dark area.
Suddenly, he pulled a pistol from his trousers and demanded the vehicle, cash and Mr Masunda’s cellphone.
Fearing for his life, Mr Masunda handed over US$40 in cash and a black Samsung Note 20 Ultra, among other items.
Nyakatangure then forced Mr Masunda from the driver’s seat to the back passenger seat, before taking control of the vehicle.
On August 3, detectives from CID Vehicle Theft Squad Harare, received a tip off that the stolen vehicle was being advertised for sale in Ruwa.
Acting on this information, one detective posed as a potential buyer and arranged to meet Nyakatangure in Zimre Park, Ruwa.
The operation led to Nyakatangure’s arrest, and police found the vehicle key in his trousers.
He subsequently led detectives to the location where the vehicle was recovered, although it was missing its rear, front and third number plates, as well as the vehicle licence and insurance discs.
The total value of the stolen items was assessed at US$7 380, with US$6 940 worth of items successfully recovered.
