A 26-year-old man from Domboshava has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after robbing a couple at gunpoint and stealing their newly purchased vehicle on New Year’s Eve.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that Blessed Bowa and a group of accomplices, who are still on the run, stormed into the victims’ homestead in Domboshava at around 8 PM on 31 December 2024.
Armed with a gun, the gang threatened the man and his wife, demanding the Toyota Corolla they had just bought earlier that day for US$2,000.
Fearing for their lives, the victim’s wife handed over the car keys and registration papers. The robbers took off with the vehicle, and it was only later that the victim realised his wallet, containing US$357, ID, driver’s licence and other important cards, had also been stolen.
In a strange twist, Bowa contacted the victim on 1 March 2025, pretending to be a Good Samaritan. He asked about a machete that had been in the car and casually mentioned he had come across the victim’s wallet.
The victim, realising something was off, reported the matter to ZRP Chinamhora.
Police managed to track down the stolen vehicle on 20 March at Zimbiru Business Centre, where it was being driven by Bowa. He fled the scene with the car keys but was eventually arrested.
Bowa was convicted of robbery at the Harare Magistrates’ Court and handed a 12-year prison sentence.
Two years were suspended on condition he doesn’t commit a similar offence, and another five months were suspended provided he pays restitution to the victims.
The court also ordered that the stolen vehicle be returned to its rightful owners.
Police are still on the hunt for Bowa’s accomplices.
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