Maphisa bank robber jailed

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A BULAWAYO man, who ganged up with two others and robbed Agribank in Maphisa, Kezi, of almost $36 000 at gunpoint, has been slapped with a 12-year jail term.

A BULAWAYO man, who ganged up with two others and robbed Agribank in Maphisa, Kezi, of almost $36 000 at gunpoint, has been slapped with a 12-year jail term.

ALBERT NCUBE OWN CORRESPONDENT

Gift Moyo (30) of Magwegwe North pleaded guilty to charges of armed robbery and unlawful possession of a fireman when he appeared before Gwanda regional magistrate Joseph Mabeza yesterday.

Moyo would, however, spend an effective four years behind bars if he reinstitutes a third of the stolen money to the bank.

Four years were also suspended on condition Moyo does not commit a similar offence within five years.

A further four years were suspended on condition he pays the bank almost $12 000 being the amount he stood to benefit from the loot.

Moyo was fined $300 or 30 days in prison for illegal possession of a firearm.

In passing sentence, Mabeza said it was aggravatory that Moyo, Hlanganani Ndlovu and Lavender Moyo, who are still on the run, had used a gun in committing the offence.

Mabeza said in some instances, such robberies resulted in injury or death if victims resisted demands from perpetrators.

Prosecutor Khumbulani Nyoni said Moyo and his two accomplices entered Agribank just after 2pm on September 2.

While inside the banking hall, Moyo pointed a Star pistol at one of the bank tellers and force-marched him into the manager’s office. He ordered the two to open the strong room where the bank safe is located.

Moyo then ordered the manager to open the safe and load the money into a black bag which he provided while his accomplices ransacked the tills and took cash.

The three then locked the manager and two tellers inside the strong room and left without being detected. The three got away with $31 467, R46 671, £110 and €80.

The bank employees were rescued by a client who entered the bank and heard people screaming for help. The matter was reported to the police, leading to the arrest of Moyo.

The pistol and $4 321 and R15 280 were also found in his possession.

Bank employees positively identified Moyo as part of the armed gang that had their faces exposed during the robbery.