Danisa Masuku
A man who engaged in a robbery spree and terrorised villagers together with his accomplices who are yet to be arrested appeared in court facing four counts and pleaded not guilty to all of them.
Denis Mkhwananzi (47) from Old Pumula suburb in Bulawayo appeared before Western Commonage Court magistrate Learnear Khumalo facing one count of unlawful entry and three counts of robbery which he committed with Panashe Muswere, Elias Banda, Mgcini Mpofu and Jose at Rosbun Farm in Umguza on the outskirts of Bulawayo.
However, after a full trial he was convicted and slapped with 60 months imprisonment. For count one he was slapped with a 24 months sentence. Six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour while four months were suspended on condition that he restitutes the owner of the shop.
For the three counts of robbery he was sentenced to serve 38 months in jail.ย In total Mkhwananzi will effectively serve 52 months in prison.
Circumstances are that Mkhwananzi, who also used a pseudo name and surname as he called himself Memory Mehluli Ndlovu teamed up with Muswere, Banda, Mpofu and one only identified as Jose before they headed to Rosbun Farm in uMguza on the outskirts of Bulawayo.
The court heard that they were armed with knives, bolt cutter, broken beer bottle and an axe.
Upon arrival at the shop they used a bolt cutter to cut the burglar bars before they went inside and took a variety of items that include meat, an assortment of alcohol, groceries and hid them in the bush.
They were not done yet as they went to a nearby homestead, upon arrival they forced open the door before heading to the home ownerโs bedroom and found her awake, the court heard.
They threatened to axe her while demanding money. They embarked on their mission and stole US$20, a cellphone, clothes and tennis shoes before they fled. After that they went to another homestead where they opened the door and demanded money from the owner of the homestead, the court heard.
The court heard while the owner was trying to reason with them they stabbed him with a broken beer bottle. They ransacked the house before taking his two cellphones and a knife, the court heard. Being eager to get more items and cash they headed to another homestead. On arrival they opened the door and found the owner standing inside his hut.
They demanded money but the homeowner had no money. They took his satchel and clothes before they fled.