12 years jail time for armed robbers

Zim Now Writer

Three armed robbers, Francis Takura, Virimai Nyandoro and Shine Tanaka Nyamhunga were convicted and sentenced by a Harare Magistrate on armed robbery charges.

On November 5, 2021, Takura, together with three other accomplices who are now deceased as well as two others who are still at large proceeded to the first complainant's home.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the armed robbers were wearing masks and we're armed with an AK-47 rifle and an unidentified pistol. They held the complainant and his wife are gunpoint before ransacking the house and taking cash amounting to US$1 550 as well as other valuables, including a 9mm Norinco pistol.

"They force-marched the complainant and his wife to their motor vehicle, a Toyota Hilux GD6 and they proceeded to the complainant's work place where they took US$10 000.

"They drove back to the first complainant's home and they proceeded to the cottage where the second complainant was sleeping and they assaulted him before taking his valuables and driving off in the first complainant's motor vehicle.

"The motor vehicle was recovered on December 6, 2021, dumped at Newlands shops. The total value stolen was US$55 750 and US$46 050 was recovered.

“On December 6, 202, the accused persons went to the third complainant's home where they held the complainant's family at gunpoint before taking cash and valuables amounting to US$1 600. The accused persons exchanged gunshots with the owner of the house, Joseph Nemaisa leading to the death of three accomplices,” the NPA said.

The first accused person was arrested on December 7, 2021, and he led to the arrest if the second and third accused.

The first accused was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for count one of which 2 years were suspended for 5 years. A further 2 years was suspended on condition of restitution.

He was sentenced to a further 12 years for count two of which 2 years were suspended for 5 years. A further 2 years was suspended on condition of restitution.

All three accused persons were sentenced to 12 years for count three of which 2 years in suspended for 5 years. 1 year was suspended on condition of restitution.