Harare magistrate Noel Mpeiwa has sentenced two armed robbers, already serving a 22-year jail term, to an additional 12 years following a full trial.
Tafadzwa Richard Marondera (21) and Luke Zinyengere (45) faced charges of armed robbery after allegedly attacking Tinashe Chikove on 22 January last year while armed with pistols, stealing items including 11 iPhones.
Mpeiwa ruled that the pair had no credible defence, and that the State had presented overwhelming evidence linking them to the crime.
The duo conspired with prison officer Donald Madzinga to smuggle a revolver into their cell. The weapon was delivered by Zinyengere’s younger brother, Tinotenda, hidden inside a bowl of rice.
On 21 March 2025, while being escorted to court, Zinyengere hid the revolver in his trousers, brandished it outside the court, and threatened prison officers.
The pair fled toward Mother Patrick Road, with Zinyengere scaling the court fence to escape while Marondera was caught.
Zinyengere then hijacked a brown Mazda Demio, forcing the driver out at gunpoint, and sped away even as officers fired shots to stop him.
The vehicle was found the next day along Kaguvi Street, with Zinyengere seen abandoning it in civilian clothes before fleeing on foot.
After three days on the run, CID Homicide detectives apprehended him near Electrosales along Mutare Road on 24 March.
More: NewsDay
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