By Tatiana Mhararira
Two men from Harare and Mhondoro will rue the day they broke into a Gutu based miner’s home after as they were sentenced to 50 years behind bars for armed robbery.
Gutu magistrate sentenced Masiya Masendeke and Tapiwa Chivasa to combined 50 years in prison for armed robbery after they robbed a Gutu based miner of US$18000, a 202 rifle and other valuables.
Circumstances are that on January 16, 2024 the two accused persons, Masiyiwa Masendeke and Tapiwa Chivasa, along with four other unidentified suspects, pounced at the miner’s house in Gutu armed with a rifle and forced their entry into the house.
They then struck the miner on the head with a metal rod before they demanded money. They assaulted him and his wife repeatedly with metal bars and sticks, until they were given the keys to a gun cabinet.
The robbers took US$18 000, a 202 rifle, 3 Samsung cellphones, 2 solar lights, 2 cylinder air compressor pumps, a Keson television, a mini Dell laptop, an SQ cellphone, four Itel cellphones, and two blankets.
They used the miner’s vehicle to carry the loot and later dumped the vehicle in Mahusekwa.
Meanwhile, Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said police had launched a manhunt for the four remaining suspects and urged members of the public with information on their whereabouts to report to the nearest police station.
“We are appealing to the public for information that can help us apprehend the remaining suspects. Members of the public with information on the suspects should approach the nearest police station. The police shall remain vigilant to thwart any forms of crime to create a safe environment for the public,” said Dhewa.
