THREE police officers based in Beitbridge were yesterday each jailed for an effective six to eight years after they were found guilty of using a service firearm to steal a Toyota Prado at a fuel station.
In convicting Prince Mugove Kuchekenya, Andrew Magwenzi and Edmore Nyamaropa, Harare regional magistrate Mrs Esthere Chivasa said the State led by Abigail Chido Gohori had provided the necessary proof beyond reasonable doubt with its strong case.
Mrs Chivasa initially sentenced all three to 10 years in jail each before suspending four years from Kuchekenya’s sentence after considering his ill-health, leaving an effective sentence of six years.
She suspended two years for Magwenzi and Nyamaropa on condition of good behaviour, leaving effective sentences of eight years.
Passing sentence, Mrs Chivasa said it was not in dispute that the three were in possession of a firearm, but noted that no one was killed during the incident, and neither was there an intention to kill.
“However, they were in possession of a firearm when the robbery occurred,” she said adding that possession of a firearm meant the offence was committed in aggravating circumstances.
“There is no provision of a fine if the offence was committed in aggravating circumstances,” Mrs Chivasa said.
Also aggravating was the premeditation and planning.
She found the driver of the Toyota Prado was trailed by the three, who put the name of the service station into disrepute.
“If people can be robbed in broad daylight by armed policemen, no one will be safe in this country. Failure to pass a deterrent sentence will mean survival of the fittest in this country,” Mrs Chivasa said.
The magistrate further ruled that the offence was committed in a sophisticated manner which was meant to present difficulties during investigations.
“Cases of robbery are on the increase so there is a need to pass a deterrent sentence. However, I will take into consideration that the accused have been in custody for a year”.
The court heard that on April 17 last year, Timothy Musariranwa of Waterfalls, Harare, left Mandi Lodge, Beitbridge, driving his silver Land Cruiser Prado, to Puma Service Station in the town to refuel.
On arrival at the service station, he was approached by Nyamaropa, Magwenzi and Kuchekenya who had an unregistered silver Toyota Corolla. The trio produced two firearms and pointed them at Musariranwa, ordering him to surrender the motor vehicle and he complied.
They drove the motor vehicle to Harare where they concealed it until detectives from CID Vehicle Theft Squad Harare received information which led to the recovery of the motor vehicle and the arrest of the trio.
