Lawrence Mandava
MASVINGO – Victor Ranga (19), Panashe Blessing Ncube (19) and Kudzai Musanje (24), were last week sentenced to 10 years imprisonment each by magistrate Dambudzo Malunga for hijacking Mathius Tauyanago’s car.
Ranga and Ncube will serve seven years effectively after three years were suspended on condition of good behavior but Musanje will serve ten year and three months as he had an attached theft crime of the past years.
Appearing for the State, Shamiso Masokovere told the court that around 23:00 hrs on June 18, the three hired Tauyanago who was coming from Rujeko going to Mucheke. The trio wanted to be taken to Mucheke Bus Terminus and paid US$2 for the service.
When they arrived, they stopped the driver to buy beer and the driver got out to smoke while waiting for them to buy their beer.
They later handcuffed and demanded a bribe saying they were cops and accused him of driving an unlicensed vehicle.
The complainant offered them US$1 but they refused and forced him to sit in the back seat before driving to Mucheke grounds outside Mucheke Stadium where they took his cellphone and US$27.
From there they drove to The Ritz night club to buy more beer, upon arrival, Ncube and Musanye went into the club leaving Ranga in guard.
The complainant overpowered Ranga and ran out and reported to Masvingo central police.
Sensing danger Ranga is said to have drove off and was caught after he was involved in an accident with the stolen car along Harare Road.local
