Bhola Hardware US$52,000 Heist: Gang Member Sentenced to 15 Years
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A Harare magistrate has convicted and sentenced a robber who was part of a gang involved in the US$52,000 heist at a prominent city hardware store in 2023.
Tapiwanashe Murefu (26) received a 15-year prison sentence when he appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court this week. Of the 15 years, 10 years were conditionally suspended, meaning Murefu will serve an effective five years in jail.
Additionally, Murefu was ordered to pay restitution of US$51,000 as part of his sentence.
The prosecution revealed that on 4th March 2023, Murefu, along with three co-conspirators—Tawanda Mutuma (30), Edmond Nzombe (47), and Jefferes Chapwanyira (29)—planned the robbery at Bhola Hardware, where Mutuma was previously employed.
Utilising insider information provided by Mutuma, the gang, aided by eight others who remain at large, executed the robbery using a black Toyota Wish.
The quartet was eventually apprehended and brought to court. While Murefu was convicted, his three co-accused were acquitted.
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