Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
TWO of the four robbers who wore army camouflage and police uniforms to terrorise business people and white farmers, stealing about $70,000 at gun point, have been jailed for a combined 104 years.

Metron Chongani Makamba, 30, of Bangala Dam in Triangle and Energy Jonasi, 23, of Taruvinga Village under Chief Bota, Zaka, were jointly charged with Knowledge Jonasi and their ring leader, Shadreck Makamba, for their reign of terror in Masvingo province. The latter has so far eluded the police.

Makamba and Energy pleaded guilty to 16 counts of armed robbery and one of attempted murder. Knowledge was remanded in custody to tomorrow for trial after he pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The robbers shot and wounded one of their victims, leaving him badly injured. In one raid, they force marched more than 30 farm workers into a room and assaulted them with sjamboks. The gang then ransacked the farmhouse and went away with $5,000 and guns after presenting themselves as police officers checking for firearm licences.

Masvingo regional magistrate Collet Ncube said while the accused were first offenders, the court would not lose sight of the fact that they committed serious crimes which instilled fear in the community.

Ncube also considered that the two did not waste the court’s time and resources when they pleaded guilty to all counts.

“While it’s admissible that you’re first offenders, the court shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that you caused a lot of panic within the country. The robberies were committed under aggravating circumstances and armed robbery cases are very serious offences the world over. It’s rare for cases of this nature not to attract custodial sentences,” said Ncube.

He said the court considered the age differences between Jonasi and Makamba as well as the role they each played to come up with appropriate sentences.

Ncube sentenced Jonasi and Makamba, who were represented by Florence Baloyi of Chuma Gurajena and Partners, to effective terms of 51 years and 53 years in prison.