adminMurefu had denied the charge when his trial began before the town’s magistrate Mr Lazini Ncube, but was convicted after a fully contested trial.
Mr Ncube sentenced Murefu (26) to 24 months in prison, but set aside four months for five years on condition of good beha-viour.
In passing sentence, Mr Ncube noted that robbery is always committed under the cover of darkness, an indication that Murefu intended to avoid detection.
“Courts have a duty to condemn such criminal behaviour and as such this calls for a custodial sentence,” said Mr Ncube.
Prosecutor Mr Mugaviri Mugaviri had proved beyond reasonable doubt that on November 13 last year, Zororai Buraundi disembarked from a kombi at Waterland in Chitungwiza.
He was carrying his sugar and had R500 in his pocket.
He walked along Tumba Road towards Unit J and passed Murefu who was walking in the same direction in the company of three accomplices.
After a few metres Murefu joined Buraundi and had a conversation as they walked and warned Buraundi that the area was dangerous and assured him that he (Murefu) was ar-med.
As the two approached the new stands in Unit J Murefu grabbed the sugar and overpowered Buraundi.
Murefu was arrested later.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter