Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A BULAWAYO man has been slapped with an effective eight year jail term after storming a shop owner’s bedroom with a gang armed with machetes, iron bars and axes.
The gang struck in the dead of night on 12 February 2022 at around 3am at St Joseph Business Centre in Kezi, Matabeleland South.
Nicholas Moyo (34) and his accomplices who are still on the run, according to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), broke into the victim’s bedroom behind a shop and went straight into attack mode.
“While inside the gang threatened the victim with machetes, iron bars, and axes, demanding cash and valuables,” reads a statement from the prosecuting authority.
Faced with deadly weapons, the 43 year old complainant handed over ZAR6 000, Toyota Hilux car keys, Samsung phones, a tablet, OpenView decoder, shoes and other valuables.
The gang fled with the loot but panic kicked in when they realised police were on their trail.
They dumped the stolen Toyota Hilux and abandoned their getaway Honda Fit during the chase.
Unfortunately for Moyo, crime does not delete fingerprints or documents.
Police later recovered the Honda Fit and inside found his driver’s licence and personal papers, tying him directly to the robbery.
The total value of stolen property was pegged at US$16 390, with goods worth US$10 390 recovered.
The Gwanda Regional Magistrates Court sentenced Moyo to eight years behind bars and ordered that the Honda Fit used in the crime be forfeited to the State.
