PLUMTREE – A soldier based in Plumtree and his accomplice from Bulawayo have each been sentenced to 10 years in prison following a brazen armed robbery spree that terrorised communities in Mangwe and Bulilima over two days.
The judgement was delivered by Magistrate Malunga Dambudzo, who handed the stiff sentences to Edward Moyo (28), a member of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces stationed in Plumtree, and Prince Phuthi (25) of Nkulumane, Bulawayo. Both men had earlier entered guilty pleas to three counts of armed robbery, admitting to their involvement in a series of coordinated attacks that left local residents and business owners shaken.
According to reports from B-Metro, the crime spree began at Sizabantu General Dealer, located at Dilankombe Business Centre in Mphoengs. Armed with an Ekol P29 blank airgun, the duo stormed the shop and demanded valuables. They seized a Samsung mobile phone alongside R12,158, P2,470, and US$54 before fleeing into nearby bushland. Authorities indicated that this initial heist set the tone for a reckless and escalating campaign of theft targeting rural communities.
The following morning, just hours later at around 7 a.m., Moyo and Phuthi struck again at Shalom General Dealer. This time, they wore masks to conceal their identities and demanded information about the day’s takings. When the shop attendant hesitated to respond, Moyo allegedly threatened her with the firearm, forcing her to lie on the floor while Phuthi emptied the cash counter. During this robbery, the pair stole R2,000, along with 100 Econet US$1 airtime cards and 100 NetOne US$1 airtime cards.
Unfinished with the shop takings, the duo interrogated the attendant about why the shop had so little cash on hand. Upon learning that the employer had already collected the previous day’s revenue, the robbers escalated their attack, forcing her to close the shop and accompany them to the owner’s homestead.
At the residence of Ndodana Sibanda, the shop owner, Moyo and Phuthi continued their criminal activity. There, they stole three mobile phones, R27,910, and US$221, bringing the total value of goods and cash taken over the two-day spree to R36,510. Police later recovered only the US$221, highlighting the scale of the loss inflicted on the victims.
Soldier Sentenced to 10 Years for Two-Day Armed Robbery Spree
The arrest of Moyo and Phuthi came after a targeted police operation last week, ending their spree of intimidation and theft. Community members expressed relief at the capture of the perpetrators, many of whom had been living in fear following the attacks.
During sentencing, Magistrate Dambudzo condemned the duo’s actions, noting that their conduct demonstrated a blatant disregard for public safety and caused significant distress to small business owners in the rural areas. “The accused terrorised members of the community and showed extreme lack of respect for law and order,” the magistrate stated.
The court emphasised that the 10-year prison term, which is effective for both men, was intended not only as punishment but also as a deterrent to others who might contemplate similar criminal acts in rural areas. “The sentence is designed to send a clear message that armed robbery, particularly in vulnerable communities, will not be tolerated,” Magistrate Dambudzo added.
The case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of rural businesses and homes, particularly those in isolated areas, where security measures are often limited. Local business owners have called for increased police presence and faster response times to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Authorities highlighted the coordination between the Plumtree and Bulawayo police divisions in apprehending the suspects, commending officers for their prompt action. Community policing efforts and intelligence gathering were credited with the rapid resolution of the case.
For many of the victims, the incident underscored the personal risks faced by small business operators in rural Zimbabwe. Shop owners and residents praised law enforcement for bringing the suspects to justice, while emphasising the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between communities and police authorities.
The court proceedings also served as a public reminder of the serious consequences of armed robbery, especially when firearms or imitation weapons are involved. Experts note that sentencing in such cases plays a crucial role in reinforcing the rule of law and maintaining public confidence in the justice system.
With the conviction and sentencing of Edward Moyo and Prince Phuthi, communities in Mangwe and Bulilima can look forward to a period of reassurance, as the ZRP continues to prioritise the safety and security of citizens, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas that are often most at risk.
The 10-year imprisonment of both men marks the conclusion of a case that had gripped the region for several days and serves as a stark warning against armed robbery in Zimbabwe.
Source- iHarare
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