A 23-YEAR-OLD soldier who used a toy gun to rob a Wedza man of cash and cellphone was yesterday sentenced to six months in prison following his conviction by Marondera magistrate Clever Tsikwa.
Wadzanai Madhibha,Own Correspondent
Taurai Chivende and his accomplice Takudzwa Makupe (21) had pleaded guilty to robbing Kudakwashe Mujati of $50 and a cellphone a fortnight ago.
Initially, Chivende was sentenced to 12 months in jail before six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour, while Makupe was fined $300 or in default, a three-month jail term.
In passing sentence, Tsikwa said as a soldier, Chivende was supposed to uphold his sworn oath to uphold citizens’ security.
The court heard that on December 13 last year, the pair connived and drove to Wedza area with the intention to commit robbery.
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They later picked up Mujati at Zana village under Chief Svosve in Wedza.
When they reached Zana turn-off along Wedza-Chitungwiza Road, the complainant requested to be dropped off, but Chivende produced a toy pistol and his army uniform and robbed him of his Samsung GTE cellphone and $50.
In the ensuing meleé, Mujati dived on the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to swerve off the road and managed to escape unhurt.
He later made a police arrest, leading to the pair’s arrest.