Former policeman found guilty in brutal home invas...

Former policeman found guilty in brutal home invasion of retired detective

Zim Now Writer

A Harare magistrate has found former police constable Francis Takura guilty of armed robbery in a brazen attack on the home of retired CID Homicide detective Joseph Nemaisa last year. Takura, along with two accomplices, will be sentenced in the coming days.

The trio targeted the Chadcombe residence on November 5th, 2023. James Rikonda, who was housesitting for Nemaisa, awoke to find four masked men armed with an AK-47 and a pistol threatening him and his wife. The robbers ransacked the house, stealing valuables and cash before forcing the couple into their car and demanding more money.

Magistrate Stanford Mambanje ruled that overwhelming evidence pointed towards the accused. Fingerprint analysis by the forensics department linked Takura and his accomplices to the escape route used after the crime. Witness testimonies further solidified the case against Takura and his co-defendants.

In a particularly incriminating detail, a Rolex watch stolen from the residence was recovered at Takura's home. Mambanje further noted that call logs placed the second accused in contact with Gora, another suspect who was fatally shot during a subsequent confrontation.

Takura, along with ex-soldier Virimai Nyandaro and Shayne Myamhunga, had pleaded not guilty during the trial. However, the court found the weight of evidence against them undeniable.

The trio's crime spree continued into December, with another home invasion targeting Fadzanai Musarurwa. Similar tactics were employed, with the robbers attempting to force their way into the residence. Thankfully, a family member contacted Joseph Nemaisa, who arrived armed and engaged in a shootout. Three of the robbers were killed in the exchange, while Takura and Nyandaro fled.

Police investigations led to the apprehension of Takura and Nyandaro. Tendai Tapi represented the State in this case.