In Harare, Zimbabwe, a police officer, Constable Francis Takura, a soldier, Wirimai Nyandoro, and an accomplice, Shane Nyamhunga, have been sentenced to a total of 36 years in prison for armed robbery.
Magistrate Stanford Mambanje delivered the verdict.
Francis Takura was found guilty on three counts of robbery. Nyandoro and Nyamhunga were acquitted on the first two counts but found guilty on the third.
For the first count, Takura was sentenced to 12 years, with 2 years suspended if he behaves well. Another 2 years were suspended if he pays back US$13,650 to the victim by August 30.
For the second count, Takura received another 12 years, with 2 years suspended on the same conditions and another 2 years suspended if he pays back US$6,767 by August 30.
For the third count, all three were sentenced to 12 years each, with 2 years suspended. Another year was suspended if they pay back US$1,600 by the end of August.
Magistrate Mambanje said the State had strong evidence, including fingerprints, linking them to the crimes.
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In November 2021, the trio, armed with an AK-47 and a pistol, raided James Rikonda’s home. They stole US$11,550, a wallet, a cellphone, and a pistol. They then forced Rikonda to his workplace and stole another US$10,000.
In December 2021, they targeted retired CID detective Joseph Nemaisa’s home, stealing US$850, a cellphone, a laptop, and a shotgun. When Nemaisa arrived, there was a shootout, resulting in the deaths of three accomplices while Takura and Nyandoro escaped.
In another story, Matapi Police Officer Charged With Rape, Robbery. arisai Sithole a police officer from Matapi Police Station in Mbare appeared in court yesterday, accused of raping and robbing a woman at a cemetery.
The 35-year-old Tarisai Sithole was charged with rape and robbery in front of Harare magistrate Mrs. Marehwanazvo Gofa.
