Harare, (New Ziana) A Harare magistrate on Friday jailed three armed robbers to lengthy terms for a spate of robberies in 2021.
Francis Takura, Virimai Nyandoro, and Shine Tanaka Nyamhunga were convicted and sentenced to 12 years each in prison for a series of armed robberies that terrorized multiple victims across the city.
The crimes unfolded over several days in November 2021. On November 5th, the trio, along with three now-deceased accomplices and two others still at large, targeted the home of their first victim.
Wearing masks and wielding an AK-47 rifle and an unidentified pistol, the group held the homeowner and his wife at gunpoint. They proceeded to ransack the residence, stealing $1,550 in cash as well as other valuables, including a 9mm Norinco pistol.
The gang then forced the couple into their Toyota Hilux GD6 and drove to the husband’s workplace, where they stole an additional $10,000. Returning to the initial crime scene, the robbers assaulted a second victim who was sleeping in the cottage on the property, stealing his belongings before fleeing in the stolen vehicle.
The Toyota Hilux was recovered the following month, abandoned at a shopping center in Newlands. In total, the group had stolen valuables and cash amounting to $5,750, though $4,050 was later recovered.
Just four days later, the trio struck again, this time targeting the home of a third victim. Once more, they held the family hostage at gunpoint, making off with $1,600 in cash and other valuables. However, this time, the homeowner, Joseph Nemasa, engaged the robbers in a gun battle, leading to the death of three of their accomplices.
The first accused, Francis Takura, was arrested on December 7th and subsequently led authorities to the arrests of Nyandoro and Nyamhunga.
In sentencing, the magistrate recognized the severity of their crimes and suspended portions of the sentences, contingent on the offenders making restitution payments to their victims.
New Ziana