Chitungwiza Man aged 29, Providence Shumba, has been sentenced to three years and eight months in prison after he was found guilty of robbing an EcoCash agent and her friend at knifepoint, making off with over US$2,300 in cash and valuables.
Shumba, who resides at Number 17439, Unit P in Seke, was convicted by Chitungwiza magistrate Dennis Mangosi after overwhelming evidence was presented by Public Prosecutor Shamiso Charmaine Mwapangira. The incident, which took place on June 25 this year, shocked the local community due to the brazen and violent manner in which it was carried out.
According to court proceedings, Shumba entered a shop located at Zvipoto Shops in Unit O, Chitungwiza, at around 6:30 pm. Inside the shop were EcoCash agent Ms. Tafadzwa Gwiti and her friend, Ms. Loveness Muswe, who were in the process of counting money. Pretending to be a customer at first, Shumba soon revealed his true intentions.
He first demanded money from Ms. Gwiti, who complied and handed over US$180 in cash. Shumba then turned his attention to Ms. Muswe and ordered her to do the same. When she refused, he escalated the situation by pulling out a knife and threatening to stab her. He pointed the blade directly at the left side of her chest, forcing her into submission.
Shumba then instructed both women to cover their faces with cloths to prevent them from identifying him during or after the robbery. After they complied, he moved behind the counter and took US$560 in cash that belonged to Ms. Muswe.
In addition to the money, Chitungwiza Man also stole several valuable items, including three mobile phones: an Itel A50C, a Huawei Smart, and a NetOne phone valued at US$1,657. He also took a number of Econet airtime recharge cards and a small brown bag.
Chitungwiza Man Jailed for Armed Robbery of EcoCash Agent and Friend
After collecting the loot, Chitungwiza Man ordered the two women to remove the cloths covering their faces and then quickly fled the scene. However, the victims immediately raised alarm, crying out for help and drawing the attention of nearby residents.
Members of the public responded swiftly, giving chase as Chitungwiza Man ran through the streets. During the pursuit, he dropped one of the stolen phones – an Itel A50C – which was later identified as belonging to a third party, Tonderai Katema.
Local touts eventually apprehended Shumba and handed him over to the police. Thanks to the prompt community response and the recovery of stolen property, authorities were able to build a strong case against him.
In handing down the sentence, Magistrate Mangosi emphasized the seriousness of the offence, especially given the level of violence and intimidation used. The court noted that Shumba’s use of a deadly weapon and the psychological trauma inflicted on the victims warranted a custodial sentence.
“Armed robbery is a grave offence, particularly when it involves threatening the lives of innocent civilians with weapons,” said the magistrate. “The community must be protected from individuals who resort to violence for personal gain.”
Chitungwiza Man’s conviction serves as a stern warning to would-be offenders that such crimes will be met with the full weight of the law.
Public Prosecutor Mwapangira expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the case, highlighting the importance of swift community response in assisting law enforcement efforts.
“This case demonstrates what can be achieved when the public works hand in hand with the police. The bravery of the victims and the action of members of the community ensured that justice was served,” she said.
Shumba will serve his sentence in a Zimbabwean correctional facility, with the court ruling that there would be no option for a suspended sentence given the violent nature of the crime.
The incident has reignited calls for increased security for EcoCash agents and small business owners who frequently handle cash, especially in high-density suburbs where criminal activity is more prevalent.
Meanwhile, both Ms. Gwiti and Ms. Muswe have since resumed their business operations, though they remain traumatised by the ordeal. Community leaders have urged authorities to provide more support for victims of violent crime and to increase police visibility in vulnerable areas.
Source- Bulawayo24
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
