By Ndumiso Tshuma
Two men have been sentenced to five years and three months in prison for a series of robberies in Masvingo.
Pharoah Moyo (27) and Terence Mpofu (21) were part of a four-man gang that targeted houses in the city. The Masvingo Magistrate Court sentenced them to 63 months in prison, with 22 months suspended, resulting in an effective term of 51 months.
According to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) released on December 14, 2023, the duo, along with their accomplices David Mkosana (currently hospitalized and yet to appear in court) and Genius Washaya, raided a home.
“They gained entry and threatened to kill the complainant if he didn’t surrender cash and valuables. The complainant handed over his phone, a power bank, and a satchel with clothes. They then held the complainant and another person hostage, forcing them to show them houses and businesses with potentially wealthy occupants,” the NPAZ statement said.
In January 2024, the gang committed seven more robberies in Victoria Range and Clipshaw View in Masvingo. They were also linked to other robberies in the city.
“David Mkosana was arrested by police in Gweru and implicated the accused persons and Genius Washaya, leading to their arrests. The stolen property was valued at US$11,290, with US$900 recovered,” the NPAZ added.
