Ladma Mutesa (39), Tapiwa Nyakudya (31), and Sande Saini (32) have been sentenced to a combined total of 38 years in prison after being convicted on ten counts of r0bbery at the Bindura Magistrates’ Court.
The trio, along with their accomplices Mike Mapona, known as Murefu, Shoti, and a third individual named Fungai ; who remain at large ; committed a series of brazen r0bberies on April 21, 2024, in Nyakudya Mazarura Village, under Chief Masembura in Bindura.
Armed with iron bars, they forcibly entered the homes of six sleeping victims, using physical viol3nce to subdue them and binding their hands with brick force wire.
The robbers demanded cellphones from the terrified residents and ransacked the homes, stealing various groceries, household items, and a total of USD350 in cash.
Afterward, they struck again that same night, presenting themselves as police officers to gain entry into another home, where they repeated their vi0lent tactics to extract valuables.
One unfortunate complainant, arriving home in a Toyota Quantum, was ambushed by the gang; they assaulted him and confined him in a pigsty, stealing his cellphone and his vehicle.
Ultimately, the stolen vehicle was abandoned two kilometers from the scene due to a mechanical fault and was later recovered.
Arrests began on April 23, 2024, when Mutesa was apprehended thanks to a tip-off, leading to the capture of the other two suspects.
The total value of stolen property was estimated at USD15,450, with USD13,450 worth of goods successfully recovered, culminating in the lengthy prison sentences for the three convicted individuals.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
