Prosecutors demand harsher sentences for armed robbers

PUBLIC prosecutors have urged the Judiciary Service System to enforce harsher sentences on armed robbers, particularly those using dangerous weapons such as machetes. This call follows the sentencing of three men from Bubi district in Matabeleland North province, who terrorised villagers with a series of violent crimes, leaving the community traumatised.

The men have been sentenced to an effective 54 months in prison.

Their conviction has prompted public prosecutors to advocate for stricter penalties in cases involving armed robbers, especially those wielding machetes.

Initially, the trio was sentenced to 96 months in jail, but 30 months of their sentence were suspended for five years on the condition of good behaviour. An additional 12 months were suspended on the condition that they compensate their victims.

Bulawayo magistrate, Miss Beverly Madzikatire sentenced Charles Lunga, 30, Limukani Dube, 33 and Nyarai Mkandla, 32, who pleaded guilty to seven counts of robbery committed in September this year. Ms Madzikatire concurred with the State’s argument that public safety is a primary responsibility of the criminal courts.

“The accused used machetes to commit robbery and stole property from hardworking citizens. They assaulted the complainants and caused severe injuries.

“Therefore, a custodial sentence is appropriate for the crime. This will serve as a deterrent to other criminals,” said Ms Madzikatire.

According to the State’s case, presented by Mr Sehleliso Khumalo, the trio began their reign of terror on September 5 by robbing a bottle store in Bubi district. Mr Khumalo stressed that the safety of citizens is not just a need but a constitutional right.

He stated that it is the duty of the criminal courts to protect every victim of crime.

Mr Khumalo further noted that the use of machetes has become rampant in society, necessitating measures to deter offenders and potential offenders from using such dangerous weapons. Given the severity of the crime, he argued that a custodial sentence was appropriate.

On September 23, the trio, armed with machetes, a knife and an iron bar, attacked Shirazi Bottle Store, assaulting the owner and workers.

They stole US$80, four cell phones, a crate of energy drinks and a crate of brandy.

They then moved to a shop, where they randomly attacked people outside, stealing a cell phone and a radio speaker. Later that day, they assaulted patrons at another shop, demanding money from the owner, who handed over US$1 390.

The following day, they targeted a homestead, where they manhandled the homeowner and stole US$15. They then raided another home, taking US$20.

On September 9, the trio demanded cash at another homestead, receiving US$100, a cell phone, three bars of soap, and 16 packets of Kapenta fish.

The victims reported the incidents to the police, leading to the trio’s arrest.