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NewsDay

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Jailbird back in prison

News
A 40-year-old jailbird Jeremiah Zhanje has been slapped with a 16-year jail term following his conviction for robbing a Harare businessman Tonderai Chikova of a whopping $14 785 on his way to the bank. The court heard Chikova fell prey to Zhanje and his accomplices, some of whom were reportedly still at large, as he […]

A 40-year-old jailbird Jeremiah Zhanje has been slapped with a 16-year jail term following his conviction for robbing a Harare businessman Tonderai Chikova of a whopping $14 785 on his way to the bank.

The court heard Chikova fell prey to Zhanje and his accomplices, some of whom were reportedly still at large, as he was about to drive to the bank on May 21 this year.

Provincial magistrate Kudakwashe Jarabini heard that Zhanje, Arthur Mangwende, Lloyd Motsi and one identified only as Simon, who are all still on the run, pounced on Chikova at knife point and stole his cash.

Zhanje pleaded guilty to the robbery charge last week. In passing sentence Jarabini said: “A dangerous weapon was used in the commission of this offence.

“The offence was premeditated and there was a getaway vehicle which was parked at a distance and there is no doubt surveillance was carried out by the accused for the appropriate time to pounce on their victim,” the magistrate said.

“Accused is not a first offender. In 2009 he committed a similar offence. Offences of this nature are on the increase and there is need for deterrent sentences.”

The magistrate jailed Zhanje to an effective 12-year jail term after suspending four years on condition that he reimbursed Chikova $14 785 by August 31 this year.

The court heard that Zhanje and his colleagues had placed Chikova on surveillance for some time while waiting for an opportune time to strike.

On the day in question, armed with a knife, Zhanje and his colleagues drove to Devaris Shopping Centre in Belvedere where they laid ambush for Chikova.

When Chikova came out of his shop holding two plastic bags containing cash, Zhanje and his gang pounced on him wielding a knife and threatened to stab him if he resisted their demands.

The gang seized the cash and fled towards their getaway car.

Chikova picked a stone and hit Zhanje on the head, forcing him to fall.

The public rushed to the scene and effected a citizen’s arrest, but his colleagues disappeared with the cash.