Notorious Armed Robber Slapped With A 102-Year Prison Sentence

An armed robber, infamous for a wave of violent robberies over the last two years, has been handed a 102-year prison sentence. Tapiwa Mbirimi, the convict, was found guilty on charges of nine armed robberies and one count of attempted murder.

Harare regional magistrate Loice Mukunyadze delivered the verdict following a thorough trial. During the trial, prosecution presented overwhelming evidence of Mbirimi’s involvement in the crimes. Prosecutor Kudakwashe Muza outlined the grim details of the robberies, shedding light on the violence inflicted by Mbirimi and his gang.

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Tapiwa Mbirimi — Armed robber handed 102-year prison sentence-Image Source@Shuttestock

Details of the January 29 Robbery

On January 29, 2023, Mbirimi and his accomplice, the now-deceased Brave Zhou, forcibly entered a home by shattering a glass door. Awakened by the commotion, the homeowner ventured into the lounge, with her husband following closely behind after hearing her calls.

Mbirimi attacked the woman with an iron bar, striking her on the left side of her head. She managed to escape to her bedroom, locking herself inside. Meanwhile, the robbers discharged a firearm and assaulted her husband with a machete, inflicting severe injuries on his hands. The couple was threatened with death if they refused to cooperate.

Amid the chaos, the terrified wife handed over US$500 to the robbers, explaining that the money was intended for her daughter’s school fees. Additionally, she surrendered her wallet, containing another US$50. The assailants also demanded mobile phones from everyone in the household.

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Neighbour attacked after an act of bravery

The couple’s neighbour, awakened by the disturbance, attempted to intervene by hurling a brick at the attackers. In retaliation, one of the robbers, armed with a pistol, shot the neighbour in the back as he tried to retreat to his house. Undeterred, the robbers pursued him, broke into his home, and demanded money.

His wife complied, handing over US$60. The gang also seized their mobile phones and, before leaving, damaged their 42-inch television by dropping it on the floor.