Police officers jailed for armed robbery

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident occurred on April 17, 2023. Timothy Murasiranwa, an employee of the National Employment Council for the Tourism Industry of Zimbabwe, was at the Beitbridge Border Post to collect a silver Land Cruiser Prado on behalf of his employer.

Murasiranwa was driving the Land Cruiser to Harare, accompanied by his brother, who was driving a Toyota Rav 4. They stopped at Puma Service Station to refuel both vehicles.

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Details of the Robbery that led to the police officers’ arrest

While at the service station, a silver Toyota Corolla without registration plates approached and parked next to Murasiranwa’s vehicle. Two of the accused officers exited the Corolla and approached Murasiranwa. One of them had a pistol hidden under his shirt.

Upon noticing the pistol, Murasiranwa attempted to flee but was blocked by the Corolla at one of the garage’s exits. The two officers then brandished a rifle, prompting Murasiranwa to drive to the back of the garage, seeking another exit, only to find the road blocked.

The assailants pursued Murasiranwa to the back of the garage. When Murasiranwa’s brother saw what was happening, he also drove to the back of the garage. Murasiranwa quickly jumped into his brother’s car, leaving the Prado behind, and they sped away from the scene. The assailants then drove off in the Prado.

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Police Investigation and Arrests

Murasiranwa reported the incident to the police. The stolen vehicle was recovered on May 1, 2023, from a mechanic, which led to Nyamaropa’s arrest. Nyamaropa subsequently implicated Magwenzi and Kuchekenya.

Nyamaropa received a 10-year prison sentence with 4 years suspended. Magwenzi and Kuchekenya were each sentenced to 10 years, with 2 years suspended.