Not in this neighbourhood! Mob comes to rescue of Richmond woman who was attacked by robber in broad daylight

A 25-YEAR-Old man who struck a woman with a log and robbed her of a Huawei cellphone and National Identity Card has been sentenced to 24 months in jail by Bulawayo Provincial magistrate Mr Maxwell Ncube.

Tawanda Chiweshe of Richmond suburb was convicted of robbery on Wednesday by the magistrate after he approached Ms Netsai Syapeta struck her with a log on the forehead, snatched her handbag which contained her cellphone and money and ran away.

However, two months of the sentence were suspended on condition that he doesn’t commit a similar offence within the next five years, meaning he will serve an effective 22-month prison term.

In passing the sentence, Mr Ncube emphasised the seriousness of the offence, noting the prevalence of violent crimes involving dangerous weapons.

“The accused used a serious weapon, a log, posing a significant threat to the victim’s life. He struck the victim on the sensitive part of the body which is the head, which could have resulted in serious complications. The courts have a duty to protect citizens by passing deterrent sentences in cases of violence. As such, the accused is sentenced to a term of imprisonment without the option of a fine,” ruled the magistrate.

Prosecutor, Mr Sam Mpofu, said the incident occurred on 10 October at around 830pm near the victim’s place of residence in Northend.

Chiweshe approached her from the front and struck her with a log, while she was in the company of her friend, snatched her handbag and ran away.

Mr Mpofu said the victim’s friend screamed for help and one of the residents came outside of his house with the help of a mob, apprehended Chiweshe near a railway line in Northend

“He was caught, searched and the victim’s cellphone was recovered in his pockets,” he said.

The court heard that only the cellphone was recovered. In aggravation, Mr Mpofu submitted that the victim suffered emotionally because of the trauma.

He said the impact was severe such that she is now afraid even to walk alone in broad daylight.