Freelance journalist Moses Nyakatangure has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to armed robbery charges.
Harare regional magistrate Letwin Rwodzi initially handed down a 12-year sentence. However, one year was suspended on condition of good behaviour, and another six months on the condition that Nyakatangure makes restitution.
The victim, 26-year-old Effort Masunda, is a taxi driver.
According to state prosecutor Loveit Muringwa, the robbery occurred on July 25 this year.
Masunda was parked at the corner of Mbuya Nehanda Street and Jason Moyo Avenue in central Harare, waiting for clients in his white Toyota Aqua, when Nyakatangure approached him.
Nyakatangure knocked on the window and asked to hire the vehicle for a trip to Greendale. After agreeing on a fare of US$5, Masunda unlocked the car and allowed him in.
Upon reaching the destination, Nyakatangure asked Masunda to move the car away from the gate to a darker spot nearby. There, he drew a pistol from his trousers and demanded the vehicle, cash, and cellphone.
Fearing for his life, Masunda handed over US$40 and a black Samsung Note 20 Ultra, along with other personal items.
Nyakatangure then ordered Masunda into the back seat and took control of the vehicle before driving away.
On August 3, detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad in Harare received a tip-off that the stolen car was being advertised for sale in Ruwa.
Posing as a potential buyer, one officer arranged to meet Nyakatangure in Zimre Park.
He was arrested during the operation, and police recovered the car key in his trousers.
Nyakatangure later led detectives to the vehicle, though it was missing its number plates, licence, and insurance discs.
The stolen property was valued at US$7,380, and police managed to recover items worth US$6,940.
More: The Herald
Leave a Reply Cancel reply