Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
HARARE Regional Magistrate Mr Noel Mupeiwa has sentenced two men who robbed a Mukuru Send Money Home branch in Mabelreign of US$5 631 and R26 600 to nine years in jail each.
Tanaka Java (42) and Ronald Rupare (28) were initially sentenced to 12 years each before two years each were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
A further one year each was suspended on condition that the two restitute Mukuru US$2 815,50 each and 8 300 rand each.
Mukuru’s Mabelreign branch was represented by its teller, Farirai Munashe Mandivenga (25).
The State, led by Mr Ngoni Kaseke, proved that on February 7, 2026, Java and Rupare, acting in connivance with an accomplice who is still at large, hatched a plan to rob the complainant.
The court heard that the two went to the branch and waylaid the Mandivenga, who had gone to the toilet.
The duo followed Mandivenga into the branch after she opened the back door and they threatened her with a firearm before they pushed her inside.
The accused persons ordered her to open the safe and she complied. They then stole cash amounting to ZAR26 600 and US$5631 before they got out of the booth and fled while Mandivenga was screaming for help.
Ellis Masekesa, who is employed by Tloz Wheel and Tyre Zuva Service Station, Mabelreign, gave chase at the same time calling for help.
Members of the public assisted him and managed to apprehend Java before they recovered a balaclava and cash amounting to 10 000 rands.
Two police officers from ZRP Avondale traffic who were on patrol also gave chase and managed to arrest Rupare.
The court heard that members of the public handed over Java, and the cash to the two police officers, who later escorted the accused persons to ZRP Mabelreign for further management.
The accused persons were captured on Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) during the commission of the offence.
The total value stolen is US$5 631, 26 600 rands and only 10 000 Rands was recovered.
