Robber jailed 28 months for attacking motorist

The man, who is married to the complainant’s aunt, had pleaded not guilty to the charge

Justice Ngoni Nduna convicted Chrispen Gomore of culpable homicide after acquitting him of murder, ruling that the State had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he intended to kill the deceased.

Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo

Court Correspondent

A Harare man who robbed a motorist of valuables worth US$963 at knifepoint has been sentenced to an effective 28 months in prison.

Andrew Mamutse was convicted of robbery following a full trial before Mbare magistrate Mr Tawedzera Zishiri.

The court initially sentenced Mamutse to four years’ imprisonment. However, one year was suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period.

A further eight months were suspended on condition that he restitutes US$963 to the complainant through the Clerk of Court at Mbare.

As a result, Mamutse will serve an effective prison term of 28 months.

The complainant was Mr Isaiah Munemo.

Prosecutor Ms Nyasha Nyaumwe told the court that on May 25, 2026 at around 3 am, Mr Munemo was driving home when he stopped at a bus terminus in Glen Norah B.

While seated inside his Volkswagen Touran, Mr Munemo was approached by Mamutse, who allegedly opened the car door and entered the vehicle without permission.

The court heard that Mamutse grabbed Mr Munemo by the neck and threatened him with a knife, demanding that he hand over his valuables.

Fearing for his safety, Mr Munemo complied.

Mamutse then stole an iPhone 13 Pro Max, an Apple iPad and US$86 in cash before fleeing from the scene.

The total value of the stolen property was US$963. None of the property has been recovered.

In passing sentence, the court considered the seriousness of the offence.