Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara, Sunday News Reporter
TWO Bulawayo men who robbed two couples of cellphones and cash in separate incidents while armed with machetes, have each been sentenced to five years imprisonment.
Blessmore Munkuli (30) of New Magwegwe suburb and Moses Mudenda (35) of New Lobengula suburb were convicted of robbery by Bulawayo magistrate, Ms Casmila Madzikatire.
The court suspended one year of the sentence for five years, on condition that the two do not commit a similar offence within that period. A further six months were suspended on condition that they restitute the complainants, leaving each with an effective prison term of three-and-a-half years.
Prosecuting, Ms Sibusisiwe Sithole said the first incident occurred on 25 November at about 5.30pm along Rosetta Road, in Montgomery suburb.
The court heard that the pair confronted Isaya Shumba and his wife as they were walking home. Munkuli produced a machete from his trousers and demanded money from the couple.
“Out of fear, the complainant handed over his Itel A56 Pro cellphone to Mudenda, who had also produced a machete,” said Ms Sithole.
The court heard that the duo then turned on Shumba’s wife, demanding cash and a cellphone while threatening her with machetes.
“She handed over her Huawei P Smart cellphone, R100 and US$3 to Munkuli,” said the prosecutor.
Later on the same day, at around 6pm, the duo confronted another complainant, Fortunate Moyo, who was walking with his wife.
They threatened the couple with machetes and demanded money and cellphones.
“Mudenda searched the complainant’s pockets and took an Itel P36 cellphone,” said Ms Sithole.
A report was made to the police, and investigations led to the arrest of the two. None of the stolen property was recovered.
