Hardware Heist Mastermind Sentenced to Five Years

Zim Now Reporter

Tapiwanashe Murefu (26) has been sentenced to five years in prison for his role in a daring US$52,000 robbery at a prominent Harare hardware store in March 2023. Murefu's conviction comes after a lengthy trial at the Harare Magistrates Court, where he was found guilty of orchestrating the heist.

The court heard how Murefu, along with three other individuals, planned and executed the robbery at Bhola Hardware on March 4th, 2023. The gang's operation was meticulously planned, relying on inside information provided by Tawanda Mutuma (30), a former employee of the hardware store. Mutuma, along with Edmond Nzombe (47) and Jefferes Chapwanyira (29), were initially charged alongside Murefu. However, they were later acquitted.

The prosecution successfully argued that Murefu, aided by Mutuma's knowledge of the store's layout and security protocols, led a team of eight other individuals, who remain at large. The group utilized a black Toyota Wish to carry out the brazen robbery, making off with a substantial sum of US$52,000.

While Murefu was convicted, his three co-accused were cleared of any involvement. The magistrate presiding over the case sentenced Murefu to 15 years in prison, with 10 years conditionally suspended. This means that if Murefu commits any similar offenses upon his release, he will serve the additional 10 years. In addition to the jail term, Murefu was ordered to restitute US$51,000 to the hardware store, nearly the full amount stolen. The conviction and sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of such criminal acts and highlight the commitment of law enforcement to bringing perpetrators to justice. The case also underscores the vulnerability of businesses to insider threats and the importance of robust security measures. The search for the remaining eight individuals involved in the robbery is reportedly still ongoing.