Armed robber Taj Abdul, 8 others jailed 4 years

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Zimbabwe's most notorious armed robbers who have been terrorizing people robbing them of cash and valuables have been sentenced to four years for illegal possission of firearm and ammunition.

BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE

Zimbabwe’s most notorious armed robbers, who have been terrorising people, robbing them of cash and valuables over the past decade, have been sentenced to four years imprisonment each for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The convicts — Musa Taj Abdul (47), Charles Lundu (47), Rudolf Kanhanga alias Tapiwa Munatsi (29), Tapiwa Mangoma alias Tapa (27), Innocent Jairosi (32), Prince Makodza (31), Carrington Marasha and brothers Liberty Mupamhanga (29) and Godfrey Mupamhanga (27) — were convicted on Tuesday.

The nine, who were denying the allegations, appeared before magistrate Barbra Mateko.

Mateko suspended one year on condition that they do not commit a similar offence in the next five years and they will serve an effective three years.

The convicts are also facing several armed robbery charges which are pending at the court.

They were arrested in Beitbridge last August following a tip-off.

Oscar Madhume and Francesca Mukumbiri represented the State.

In sentencing the nine, Mateko said she wanted to send a clear message to would-be offenders that possession of illegal firearms was a serious offence.

She said the nine acted in common purpose when they committed the offence.

Abdul and his gang were arrested on August 24, 2020 after a shootout with police officers in Beitbridge.

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