Four men who tried to rob a mine worker at gunpoint in Gwanda have each been sentenced to an effective 10 years in prison.
Fonet Maranganya (27), Malvin Maranganya (19), Prince Sibanda (22) and Tatenda Ndlovu (23) were convicted of robbery by the Gwanda magistrates’ court.
The court heard that on 1 April at around 7PM, the quartet approached Learnmore Magodhi (39) at Ben Shire Mine, Bar 20, pretending to sell gold.
As the victim counted money to complete the transaction, one of the accused grabbed the cash.
A struggle broke out.
During the confrontation, a robber produced a pistol and fired two shots at Magodhi.
But the mine worker fought back, wrestled the gun away and bit the attacker’s hand forcing the gang to flee.
The thieves escaped with 15 000 rand, which has not been recovered.
- Society must change its negative perception on disability
- Record breaker Mpofu revisits difficult upbringing
- ED speaks on prices, exchange rate
- Mapeza looks forward to Bosso challenge
Keep Reading
Police investigations were aided by key evidence left at the scene, including a Samsung cellphone, a blank pistol, clothing and sandals.
One suspect was later arrested and led investigators to his accomplices.
The court imposed a 12-year custodial sentence on each offender, suspending two years for five years on condition of good behaviour – leaving an effective 10-year term for each man.
Authorities warned that violent offenders will face stiff penalties as law enforcement intensifies efforts to curb crime in mining communities.
The public was urged to exercise caution and report suspicious activities, particularly around informal gold transactions.
