Vehicle robber gets 8 years

Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
AN alert Rusape man successfully identified one of the robbers who attacked him a year ago, leading to the criminal’s arrest and conviction.
The man, who had been robbed of his vehicle, cash, and valuables by a three-member gang, recognised one of the culprits, resulting in justice being served.
Musindo Sobona Makuyana (46), appeared before Rusape provincial magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe, facing two counts of robbery.
He pleaded not guilty, insisting that he was working at a local bar at the time of the crime.
Makuyana promised to bring his employer to testify on his behalf, but failed to do so.
After hearing the evidence, Mr Mahwe sentenced Makuyana to 10 years in prison, suspending two years on condition of good behaviour.
Prosecutor, Ms Faith Mutukwa, said Makuyana and his accomplice were offered a lift by Mr Tonderai Name of Mabvazuwa suburb in Macheke.
The trio robbed him of his Honda Fit vehicle, cash, and cellphone.
They also turned on another passenger, Ms Benhilda Dzenga (21), stealing her handbag, cellphone, and cash.
Thanks to the victim’s vigilance and persistence, one of the gang members has now been brought to justice, with the case serving as a reminder that crime can catch up with offenders even long after the act.
“On May 15, 2025, Makuyana and two others who are still at large were offered a lift by Mr Name in Macheke, enroute to Rusape. The complainant already had another passenger in the vehicle, Ms Benhilda Dzenga. Upon reaching Zuva Service Station, the accused persons produced an Okapi knife and a machete, and threatened the complainant who was driving his vehicle.
“The accused persons robbed the complainant of his vehicle, a Honda Fit Hybrid, US$1 585 cash and cellphones. The accused persons took charge of the motor vehicle, and force-marched the complainant to the back passenger’s seat. They drove towards Wedza Road.
“The accused persons stopped the vehicle at St Joseph’s Mission turn off, stripped the complainants, and ordered them to have sexual intercourse in their presence, but Mr Name managed to escape and ran away. The accused persons went away with the vehicle, Mr Name’s cellphone and US$1 584. They also stole Ms Dzenga’s handbag, cellphone and US$8 cash.
“On May 15, 2026, Mr Name saw Makuyana at his place of residence and followed him to Mabvazuwa shops. He managed to facially identify the accused person, and phoned police detectives who later apprehended the accused person. The value of the stolen property is US$10 560 and US$9 000 was recovered,” said Ms Mutukwa.