Online Reporter
Ryan Sibanda, [email protected]
A 26-YEAR-OLD Umguza man who attacked his 63-year-old neighbour with a stone before robbing her of cash and a cellphone has been sentenced to an effective six years in prison.
Brian Brandon Muzondo of Stanhope Village, Nyamandlovu, was convicted of robbery by Bulawayo magistrate Mr Taurai Manuwere.
He was sentenced to eight years in prison, with two years suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period, leaving him to serve an effective six years.
Prosecuting, Ms Mufaro Ndirayire told the court that on June 28 at around 7PM, the complainant, Mrs Joyce Dube, was walking home from work along a gravel road when Muzondo spotted her.
The court heard that Muzondo confronted Mrs Dube and demanded her cellphone and handbag, but she refused to hand them over.
Muzondo wrestled with her before striking her twice on the head with a stone and grabbing her cellphone and handbag, which contained US$139.
He then fled from the scene.
A local villager who witnessed the robbery alerted members of the neighbourhood watch committee, who tracked Muzondo to his homestead and apprehended him before handing him over to the police leading to his arrest.
The stolen items including Mrs Dube’s cellphone, shop keys, national identity document and 16 NetOne airtime recharge cards, was recovered.
Mrs Dube sustained injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
In mitigation, Muzondo pleaded for leniency, claiming that he could not remember committing the offence because he was intoxicated at the time.
