Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent
A dramatic police sting operation led to the arrest and conviction of Moses Nyakatangure, 30, who has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for armed robbery involving a stolen taxi vehicle.
Nyakatangure appeared before Magistrate Letwin Rwodzi at the Harare Magistrates’ Court charged with armed robbery of a motor vehicle. Of the 12-year sentence, one and a half years were suspended on condition of good behavior, while six years were suspended on condition of restitution.
The complainant in the matter is Milton Masunda, an InDrive taxi driver.
The State, led by prosecutor Lovet Muringwa, proved that on July 25 at around 9:30 PM, Nyakatangure approached Masunda, who was parked in a white Toyota Aqua (registration number AFT3000) at the corner of Mbuya Nehanda and Jason Moyo, awaiting clients.
Nyakatangure requested a ride to Number 10 Amby Drive, Greendale, and agreed to pay US$5 for the trip. Masunda unlocked the doors, and Nyakatangure took the front passenger seat.
When they arrived outside the gate of Number 23 Amby Drive, Nyakatangure asked not to be dropped directly at the gate. Masunda parked a short distance away in a dark spot.
Nyakatangure exited the vehicle, pretending to relieve himself. He then pulled an unidentified pistol from his pocket, pointed it at Masunda, and demanded the vehicle, money, and phone.
Masunda complied, handing over US$40 and a Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. The vehicle also contained various items including a spare wheel, house keys, fire extinguisher, jack, car charger, and his national ID card.
Nyakatangure forced Masunda to the back seat and took control of the vehicle. After driving about 100 meters, he stopped and ordered Masunda to get out before driving off with the stolen vehicle.
Masunda later filed a report at ZRP Rhodesville.
On August 3, detectives from CID Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) Harare received a tip-off that the vehicle was being advertised for sale in Ruwa. A detective posed as a buyer and lured Nyakatangure to KFC Zimre Park, where he was arrested. He was found in possession of the vehicle key.
Nyakatangure led detectives to House Number 6509, Fig Road, Zimre Park, where the vehicle was recovered. The number plates, license discs, and insurance stickers had been removed. Several items including the spare wheel, seat covers, and fire extinguisher were also missing.
He later led officers to Gukurahundi Road in Dzivarasekwa 3, where the vehicle’s number plates were recovered hidden in the grass.
However, Nyakatangure failed to lead police to the recovery of the remaining stolen items or the weapon used in the robbery.
The total value of the stolen property was estimated at US$7 380.
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