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Sinokubonga Nkala, [email protected]
A MAN who was part of a gang of four that robbed passengers on a Blue Circle bus that was going to Harare has been sentenced to 84 years in prison.

On 18 July 2024, a group of accused individuals, in collaboration with the still-at-large Elphase Mugudubudze, executed a robbery on a bus traveling from Harare to Beitbridge, threatening passengers with weapons and fleeing after stealing their belongings.

In a statement on X, the National Prosecting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) confirmed the appearance of Ashton Siziva (26), Talent Mlaudzi (20), Saul Dadirai (23) and Pheneas Shumba (25) before the Chiredzi Magistrates’ Court in relation to the Blue Circle bus robbery.

“Allegations are that on the 17th of July 2024, the accused persons acting in connivance with Elphase Mugudubudze who is still at large proceeded to Harare from Beitbridge. They left Elphase Mugudubudze at Vilivili bus stop. Whilst in Harare the accused persons boarded a Blue Circle bus at Mbudzi bus Terminus back to Beitbridge. On the 18th of July 2024 at around 0400 hours the fourth accused approached the conductor and advised him that he wanted to disembark at Vilivili bus stop.

“When the bus stopped Elphase Mugudubudze got into the bus armed with a C75 9mm pistol which he used to threaten the driver whilst the accused persons produced okapi knives and threatened the passengers. They ordered the driver to drive the bus to a secluded place where they switched off the engine and bus lights. The accused persons then ordered the passengers to surrender their belongings. They fled the scene soon after the commission of the offence. The matter was reported to the Police and investigations led to the arrest of the quartet.”

“The first accused person pleaded guilty to 37 counts of robbery and was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment each for count 1 to 6. He was sentenced to a further 12 years each for count 7 to 37. The 12 years for count 7 to 37 will run concurrently. He will serve 84 years effectively. Accused 2 to 4 will appear again in court on the 11th of September for continuation of trial.”