Police Officer And Soldier Sentenced To 36 Years For Armed Robbery

In a landmark ruling in Harare, Zimbabwe, Police Officer, Constable Francis Takura, soldier Wirimai Nyandoro, and accomplice Shane Nyamhunga have been handed down a cumulative 36-year prison term for their involvement in armed robbery. The verdict was delivered by Magistrate Stanford Mambanje.

Takura faced three counts of robbery and was found guilty on all counts. Nyandoro and Nyamhunga were acquitted on the first two counts but convicted on the third.

Takura was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the first count, with 2 years suspended on the condition of good behaviour. An additional 2 years were suspended if he restitutes US$13,650 to the victim by August 30.

For the second count, Takura received another 12-year sentence, with 2 years suspended on similar conditions and a further 2 years suspension contingent on the restitution of US$6,767 by the same deadline.

On the third count, all three were sentenced to 12 years each, with 2 years suspended. An additional year was suspended if they restitute US$1,600 by the end of August.

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Evidence and Incidents

Cop and Soldier in jail for robbery — Police officer and soldier jailed for robbery (Image: Adobe)

Magistrate Mambanje highlighted the strong case presented by the State, which included forensic evidence such as fingerprints that tied the accused to the crimes.

In November 2021, the trio, armed with an AK-47 and a pistol, raided the home of James Rikonda. They stole US$11,550, a wallet, a cellphone, and a pistol, then forced Rikonda to his workplace, where they stole an additional US$10,000.

In December 2021, the criminals targeted retired CID detective Joseph Nemaisa’s home, taking US$850, a cellphone, a laptop, and a shotgun. A shootout occurred when Nemaisa arrived, resulting in the deaths of three accomplices while Takura and Nyandoro escaped.

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Aftermath

Among the deceased were Tariro Gora, who was on duty with the Zimbabwe National Army’s elite commando regiment, and Charles Chirara, previously involved in a major cash-in-transit heist.

The sentences underscore the gravity of the crimes and the tragic consequences of the trio’s actions, emphasizing the severe repercussions of their criminal endeavours.