Josephat Kenias Moyo (23) and Dereck Sibanda (26) have each been sentenced to seven years in prison for robbing a taxi driver of his vehicle, cash, and cell phone.

The two men were convicted for the violent robbery that took place in Zvishavane, Midlands province.

Of the seven-year sentence, one year is suspended for five years, and an additional four months are set aside on the condition of restitution by July 21, 2024.

Both men, from Chief Mazvihwa’s area, were found guilty of assaulting the taxi driver and stealing his car, money, and phone.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident began when the pair hired the victim to drive them from Chiraya Business Centre to Gwemvurachena turnoff.

“On the 13th of May 2024, the accused persons met the complainant, John Mlambo who was driving a Toyota Fun Cargo at Chiraya Business Centre, Zvishavane and they hired the complainant to Gwemvurachena turnoff, Zvishavane.

“Upon reaching Gwemvurachena turnoff, the accused persons instructed the complainant to stop the motor vehicle and he complied. They assaulted him before they dispossessed him of his car. They forcibly took US$40 and an Itel P36 cellphone from him.

“They drove away leaving him lying on the ground. The complainant was later helped by a passer-by who accompanied him to make a police report,” said NPA.

Moyo and Sibanda were apprehended on May 28 in Bulawayo following a tip-off.

“The first accused person was found in possession of the Itel P36 which belonged to the complainant and a phone line belonging to Teles Mahove in his pocket.

“The accused persons led the police to the recovery of the Toyota Fun Cargo in Chinamhora, Domboshava.”

The value of the recovered property is $5,090 out of $5,130.