Plumtree Soldier Jailed 10 Years for Violent Two-Day Robbery Spree
A Plumtree-based soldier and his Bulawayo accomplice have been sentenced to 10 years in prison each after admitting to a string of armed robberies committed during a brazen two-day rampage across Mangwe and Bulilima.
Magistrate Malunga Dambudzo handed the stiff sentence to Edward Moyo (28), a soldier stationed in Plumtree, and Prince Phuthi (25) of Nkulumane, following their guilty plea to three counts of armed robbery.
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Crime Spree Begins at Mphoengs Business Centre
The ordeal started at Sizabantu General Dealer at Dilankombe Business Centre in Mphoengs, where the pair stormed in armed with an Ekol P29 blank airgun.
They seized a Samsung phone along with R12,158, P2,470 and US$54, before disappearing into the bush.
Authorities said this first attack set the tone for a reckless campaign targeting rural businesses and villagers.
Armed Pair Hit Second Shop at Dawn
Just hours later, at around 7am the next morning, Moyo and Phuthi struck again — this time at Shalom General Dealer.
Wearing masks, they demanded information about the day’s takings. When the shop attendant hesitated, Moyo allegedly drew the firearm and forced her to lie on the floor while Phuthi emptied the counter.
The duo escaped with:
- R2,000
- 100 Econet US$1 airtime cards
- 100 NetOne US$1 airtime cards
Unsatisfied, the pair interrogated the attendant about why the shop had low cash on hand. When she explained that her employer had already collected the previous day’s proceeds, the robbers forced her to close the shop and accompany them to the owner’s homestead.
Shop Owner Ambushed at His Home
At the home of shop owner Ndodana Sibanda, the robbers escalated the attack.
They stole:
- Three mobile phones
- R27,910
- US$221
The total value of goods and cash stolen across the two days amounted to R36,510, though only US$221 was recovered by police.
Police Arrest the Pair After Swift Investigations
The crime spree came to an abrupt end when police apprehended both men last week.
Magistrate Dambudzo condemned their actions, noting that the duo had terrorised small business owners and displayed extreme disregard for public safety.
Both men will serve an effective 10-year prison term, with the court hoping the sentence will deter similar rural armed robberies.
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The post Soldier Jailed 10 Years After Two-Day Armed Robbery Spree appeared first on iHarare News.
