Six men jailed 10 years for violent armed robbery

A gang of six men involved in a violent armed robbery in Old Luveve suburb, Bulawayo, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison each. The group stole cellphones and electrical gadgets valued at approximately US$800 from Mr Frank Phiri’s home.

The convicted robbers — Edward Dave (45) from Luveve, Isheunesu Nhliziyo (26), Brandon Moyo (24) from Lobengula West, and Uyapho Ndlovu (26), Lungisani Mpofu (24), and Witness Macebo (26) from Cowdray Park — were found guilty of three counts of robbery by Bulawayo regional magistrate, Mrs Dambudzo Malunga.

Each man will serve an effective six-year prison term after four years were suspended on the condition that they do not commit a similar offence within the next five years.

In her sentencing, Mrs Malunga stressed the need for a custodial sentence as a deterrent to others considering similar crimes.

“The offenders committed a heinous offense by threatening victims with dangerous weapons. It was a well-organised robbery, as they used a getaway car belonging to one of the offender’s employers,” she stated.

She expressed concern over the rising incidence of robbery in the country, noting that courts must send a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated.
“Robbers are causing havoc and mayhem in the country. The courts ought to send a clear message to like-minded offenders that the law will not tolerate such crimes and will protect Zimbabwean citizens at all times,” she ruled.

Prosecutor, Mr Owen Mugari detailed the events of April 28, around midnight, when the gang gathered at Chigumira Business Centre in Luveve to conspire against Mr Phiri.

Armed with a KWC 4mm pellet gun, machetes, and knives, they drove to the house in a blue Honda Fit.

Upon arrival, they found Mr Phiri (61) with his two daughters in the lounge. Posing as police officers, they forcefully broke in through the kitchen door. Moyo brandished the gun while Dave and Nhliziyo threatened the family with machetes.

“Mr Phiri was assaulted into submission as the robbers stole a 32-inch Samsung television, an Open View decoder and his Itel A33 cellphone. They also threatened his daughter Patience, placing a knife at her neck before forcing her to the bedroom, where they took her Huawei cellphone and US$190,” said Mr Mugari.

The court heard that the robbers then turned their attention to Mr Phiri’s other daughter, Priscilla, robbing her of a Samsung Galaxy A12 and US$10.
After the robbery, the six men fled the scene.

A police report led to their arrest, with stolen items valued at US$370 recovered.