Elliot Jinjika
CHIVHU – Two Gokwe men, Kelvin Ndlovu (23), Justice Mukandla (21) and one from Gutu, Simbarashe Mangwanda (19) pleaded guilty to charges of robbery when they appeared before magistrate Fadzai Mtombeni and were sentenced to eight years imprisonment.
Mtombeni suspended two years on each sentence meaning the robbers will each serve an effective six years in prison.
The State, led by Nicholas Mabvongodze, convinced the court that on June 2 this year at around 21: 00 hrs near Dirozvi, the trio manhandled and assaulted Mark Muringagomo and took cash and valuables worth US$81.
The following day, the trio manhandled Stanley Chiradza a security officer at Philjen Country Club and Lodge, tied his mouth with a cloth and carried him to a grassy area towards Chivhu town where they took valuables and cash worth US$73.
The trio continued their criminal exploits on the same day by going to Westwood where they took Mary Kapini’s handbag which had cash amounting US$227 after threatening to handcuff and torture her if she called for help.
The spree went on at an open space between Chivhu General Hospital and Northwood where the trio emerged from the bushes and manhandled a teacher, Forward Madaura before taking his possessions worth US$33 before disappearing leaving their victim injured.
On June 4, 2017 the trio made yet another hit in Mvuma but were later caught by police in Lalapanzi leading to the recovery of some of the stolen property.
All the complainants were summoned at Chivhu Criminal Investigation Department (CID) offices where they positively identified the criminals and their stolen valuables.local
