Lawyer Jailed 15 Years For Masterminding US$30,000 Violent Armed Robbery

A Bindura-based lawyer, Elatone Bonongwe, has been sentenced to an effective 15 years’ imprisonment after being convicted of masterminding a violent robbery at the Mt Darwin home of Pfura Rural District Council engineer, Emson Chitsungo, in October 2023.

High Court judge Justice Pisirayi Kwenda on Monday imposed a 20-year sentence following a full trial, with five years suspended on condition that Bonongwe does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.

Bonongwe, 57, was convicted alongside five co-accused, Musa Gandi, Agnes Kunaka, Terrence Musingwimi, Justin James and Tafadzwa Obrey Chipashu, for planning and carrying out the attack.

The group, armed with an AK-47 rifle, a bayonet and iron rods, ransacked Chitsungo’s home, stealing cash and electronic goods valued at US$30,000.

Chitsungo suffered a broken arm and injuries to his feet during the attack.

The court found that Bonongwe had identified the victim’s home and directed his accomplices.

It also ruled that his abuse of his professional standing as a lawyer aggravated the seriousness of the offence.

More: ZimLive

Related:

Guruve Serial Rapist Anymore Zvitsva Sentenced To 89 Years In Prison Two Jailed Over Mushikashika Armed Robbery, And Theft At Trabablas Interchange