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Fairness Moyana in Hwange

TWO of the four men who attacked a Catholic priest in Hwange before ransacking the church coffers have been slapped with an 18 year jail term.

Mehluli Ncube (38) of Lupane and Rostele Lostin Ncube of Victoria Falls who were facing two counts of robbery in aggravating circumstances, aggravated unlawful entry into premises and escaping from lawful custody were convicted and sentenced to an average of 18 years imprisonment by Hwange Regional magistrate, Mr Mark Dzira today.

However, their co-accused, Jerry Ngozo (36) of Bulawayo was acquitted of all charges due to lack of evidence while Nehemiah Moyo (46) also of Bulawayo who was on bail had a warrant of arrest issued against him after he skipped court.

On 30 November 2023, the four men armed with a pistol and Okapi knives pounced on a security guard manning St Johns Mission Makwa in Hwange before attacking the priest in charge, Father Timothy John Peacock, assaulting him and leaving the two tied up and gagged.

They went on to ransack the priest’s house and stole US$660, 370 Euros and 100 British Pounds cash and various items worth thousands of dollars.

They were arrested near South Mining in Hwange on 2 December 2023 following a high-speed car chase.

More to follow…..