Freeman Razemba
A 28-year-old robber who returned to the same Dzivaresekwa Extension house after an initial raid and later stole the homeowner’s Honda Fit, has been sentenced to an effective 12 years in prison.
Bright Chiteshe of Nyakudya Village, Chief Rwizi, Mhondoro, was convicted of two counts of robbery and sentenced at the Harare Magistrates Court on September 15.
Criminal Investigations Department spokesperson, Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, confirmed the case.
“In a case of repeated targeting, robbery suspect Bright Chiteshe, aged 28 of Nyakudya Village, Chief Rwizi, Mhondoro, was convicted and sentenced to 12 years in prison at the Harare Magistrates Court for two counts of robbery,” she said.
The court heard that Chiteshe, together with his accomplice, Brian Chiteshe (28) of Nehanda, Dzivaresekwa Extension, first raided the complainant’s home on February 15 at around 1.20 am.
The pair allegedly threatened the complainant and her son before ransacking the house and stealing several electronic gadgets, including cellphones, a laptop and a tablet.
They also demanded the keys to the complainant’s Honda Fit but failed to drive the vehicle and fled from the scene.
However, the two allegedly returned to the same residence on March 1, this time gaining entry through a window.
They allegedly stole two cellphones, cash and the vehicle keys before driving away in the Honda Fit.
The stolen vehicle later became the breakthrough in the investigation.
On April 16, detectives from CID Homicide received information that the Honda Fit was being advertised for sale on social media platforms.
Police follow-ups led to the recovery of the vehicle in Highfield, Harare, and the arrest of the two suspects.
The two appeared before then magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei, with Mrs Tariro Janhi representing the State.
Chiteshe was found guilty on both counts and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
His co-accused, Brian Chiteshe, was found not guilty and acquitted.
Inspector Muteweri urged the public to strengthen security at their homes and avoid keeping large amounts of cash at residential premises.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police continue to discourage members of the public against the keeping of large sums of money in homes and the strengthening of security measures at their homes,” she said.
