HARARE, SEPT 19, NEWSDAY LIVE): A 42-year-old Harare man has been sentenced to a combined 21 years in prison after pleading guilty to armed robbery, attempted armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.
Gabriel Mukambachaza was convicted and sentenced by a Harare regional magistrate following his involvement in a US$108 000 cash robbery that took place at Xinda Castings at Borders Estate in Ruwa on September 13 last year.
The court heard that on the fateful day, Mukambachaza and his accomplices, who are still at large, scaled the company's perimeter wall and clothed themselves in worksuits to conceal their identities.
They then confronted a Chinese female employee, Zhang Linge, demanding cash.
The gang escaped with US$108 000, although one of the accomplices was arrested at the scene.
Police investigations subsequently led to Mukambachaza's arrest.
Following his arrest, Mukambachaza led detectives to where he had stashed US$5 000 cash, a Star pistol, a Tokarev pistol, ammunition, handcuffs, fused cables, detonator emulates and three balaclavas.
A further US$9 900 of the stolen money was recovered during investigations.
Mukambachaza also faced a second charge arising from an attempted armed robbery at Kurima Centre, 521 Access Road, Msasa, Harare.
He and his accomplices allegedly attempted to gain entry into the premises while armed, but their attempt was foiled by a security reinforcement.
The third charge related to unlawful possession of firearms.
His accomplices are still at large.
