Rushinga Man Sentenced to 29 Years in Jail for Spate of Armed Robberies
In a significant ruling at the Bindura magistrate court, a 32-year-old man from Rushinga, Chikomborero Gomo, has been handed an effective 29-year prison term for a series of armed robberies that caused fear in the local community. Gomo, a resident of Nyakudanga village under Chief Rusambo, specifically targeted individuals known to him. Bindura magistrate Mr. Amos Mbobo found him guilty on four counts of armed robbery.
During the trial, Mr. Mbobo emphasized Gomo’s meticulous planning and premeditation in carrying out the crimes. Consequently, Gomo was sentenced to 34 years in prison, with five years suspended on the condition that he avoids committing a similar offence upon release. Additionally, he has been ordered to pay restitution amounting to US$1,672 and approximately $18,000 by June 30 of next year.
Prosecutor Mr. Garudzo Ziyadhuma presented evidence that Gomo, along with his accomplices Praise Gudyanga, Rainos Takawira, and another individual who remains at large, sought out individuals with substantial sums of money to rob. The first incident occurred in March 2021 when Gomo and his accomplices forcibly entered the home of Richard Mushayi in Rushinga Township. While Gomo stood guard outside, the others threatened Mushayi at gunpoint and stole US$300, Z$700, and four cellphones.
In another robbery on March 6, 2021, Gomo targeted Charles Mukarati on the Rushinga border. After breaking into Mukarati’s residence and brandishing a knife, Gomo and his gang tied up Mukarati, demanding cash. They made off with US$150, $1,000, and two cellphones. Mukarati managed to free himself and reported the incident to the police.
Gomo’s former employer’s son, Farai Kanodzirasa, became the next victim on March 22, 2021. Gomo climbed over a precast wall, forced open the door, and oversaw the robbery while his accomplices tied up Kanodzirasa. Despite claiming there was no cash, Kanodzirasa’s hands were bound, and the gang took US$9 and two cellphones.
Finally, on April 2, 2022, Irene Jim fell prey to Gomo’s criminal activities, losing US$1,920, an X-Trail Nissan vehicle with registration number AEV 3827, a laptop, and two cellphones. The stolen vehicle was later discovered abandoned near a mine in Bindura.
Gomo was arrested on October 13 of the same year, and during the trial, he argued that none of the victims positively identified him. However, the magistrate concluded that the complainants’ testimonies were honest and truthful, establishing Gomo’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
