A member of the Commando Regiment will spend four years behind bars for robbing a Roman Catholic priest.
Learnmore Gwenyaya, 31, serves with the 1 Commando Regiment at Block 5 in Harare.
He appeared before Rusape Magistrate Tendai Mahwe on Monday.
Gwenyaya faced a robbery charge, pleaded guilty, and was convicted.
Priest Attacked During Night Raid
Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa told the court that Father Kanisious Mashati retired for the night on December 7, 2025.
Before sleeping, he locked the main entrance and his bedroom door.
Meanwhile, domestic worker Margret Mafeni secured all the windows.
At about 1:30 am the following day, Gwenyaya arrived with two accomplices.
The pair remain on the run.
The trio carried an iron bar, a shovel, and an okapi knife.
In addition, they wore balaclavas to hide their identities.
The court heard that they used duplicate keys to access the house.
They then forced their way into Father Mashati’s bedroom.
When the priest resisted, the attackers struck him with an iron bar and a shovel.
During the confrontation, he threw a bottle of wine at them.
As a result, Gwenyaya sustained injuries.
However, the priest eventually surrendered after Gwenyaya allegedly threatened him with an okapi knife.
The gang searched the room and stole an Itel A70 mobile phone.
They then fled the scene.
Police Arrest Suspect Along Highway
Shortly afterwards, police officers on patrol intercepted the suspects.
The arrest occurred near Halfway House on the Harare–Mutare Road around 3:30 am.
Two suspects escaped, but officers captured Gwenyaya.
A search led to the discovery of a live cartridge.
Investigators later confirmed he lacked a valid firearm certificate.
For the robbery conviction, Magistrate Mahwe imposed a five-year prison sentence.
However, the court suspended one year on condition of good behaviour.
Consequently, Gwenyaya will serve an effective four-year term.
On a separate ammunition charge, the court fined him US$300.
Alternatively, he faces four months in prison if he fails to pay.
The court also forfeited the ammunition to the State.
The post Zimbabwe Soldier Sentenced After Robbing Roman Catholic Priest appeared first on iHarare News.
