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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
A 45-year-old Beitbridge man, believed to be part of a group of serial robbers who have unleashed a reign of terror western suburbs here, has been jailed for 14 years. Charles Hungwe (not the High Court judge) of the New Stands area reportedly operated with four others who are still at large. He was convicted on six counts of robbery when he appeared before regional magistrate Mr Mark Dzira last Friday. Mr Dzira jailed Hungwe to an effective 12 years after suspending two years for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence.

Prosecuting, Mr Manyonga Kuvarega said between May 4 and 5 this year, Hungwe teamed up with four other accomplishes, went to six houses in the western suburbs of Beitbridge where they engaged in a robbery spree. Mr Kuvarega said in the first incident, Hungwe and his gang pounced on Alive Ainzanyika’s house at around 2am, where they kicked the door open before assaulting her.

The gang took away R600 and $4, a cellphone and an assortment of electrical appliances before disappearing into the night. On the following day, according to the State, the gang robbed Tariro Chipunza using the same method, getting away with R100, $2 and a cellphone. They later took Chipunza to a secluded area where they tied her hands and continued assaulting her while demanding more money.

They then took her to two other houses where they would force her to scream, forcing the occupants to open their doors before they robbed them. The next day, the gang robbed other houses, getting away with electrical gadgets, money and cell phones. Hungwe ran out of luck when he was apprehended by residents after robbing a sixth house.