Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
POLICE have applauded the courts and members of the public for their efforts in combating crime following the conviction and sentencing of two robbers to 12 years in prison each.
Tanaka Java (42) and Ronald Rubare (28) were convicted of robbery and sentenced at the Harare Magistrates Court.
According to Criminal Investigations Department national spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, the conviction stemmed from a robbery that occurred on February 7 this year at about midday at a money transfer agency in Harare.
Det Insp Muteweri said the two, together with an accomplice who is still at large, waylaid a woman and threatened her with a pistol before forcing her to open a safe at the agency.
The trio stole R26 600 and US$5 631 before fleeing from the scene.
“The complainant screamed for help, resulting in members of the public coming to her rescue. They gave chase and managed to apprehend Java, from whom 10 000 rand was recovered. They also alerted police officers who were on patrol, resulting in the subsequent pursuit and apprehension of Ronald Rubare,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
She said the duo appeared before magistrate Mapfumo at the Harare Magistrates Court, where they were convicted and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment each.
In a separate case, Det Insp Muteweri said Darlington Simango Zimba (19) was convicted and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment on October 2, 2026, for contravening Section 131 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9:23.
“Zimba who was employed as a gardener by the complainant, was convicted after pleading guilty to the offence. His conviction follows an unlawful entry and theft case which occurred on 19 September 2026 in Ruwa, where he and his accomplices took advantage of the complainant’s absence to steal usd$135 000,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
She said the theft was discovered on September 21, 2026, when the complainant returned from a business trip and found that her money had been stolen.
Investigations by CID Highlands subsequently led to Zimba’s arrest.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is now on the trail of the outstanding suspect, David Simango Zimba and we are now appealing for anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspect to contact any nearest police station, PGHQ Whatsapp 0712 800 197 or reach out to the national Complaints Desk on 0242 703631,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
