DUO, WHO STOLE THREE TAXIS, TO SPEND 24 YEARS IN JAIL

TWO men have been sentenced to a combined 24 years in prison for carjacking after they stole three taxis – two Honda Fit and a Fun Cargo. They would pose as passengers before robbing the drivers of their cars. Anele Thabo Ncube, 24, of Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, and Ayibongwe Mathema, 23, of Sptitzkop Extension, Gwanda, were convicted of offences committed early this month.

In a statement, CID spokesperson, Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, said another suspect, Makhosi Ngwenya, is still at large. The trio are accused of unleashing a reign of terror in Gwanda by robbing taxi drivers of their motor vehicles. Det-Insp Muteweri said the accused persons would approach taxi drivers posing as passengers.

After agreeing on the fare, the duo allegedly directed the drivers to certain destinations before robbing them and taking their cars. “The accused robbed three victims of two Honda Fit and a Fun Cargo vehicle, all of which were recovered,” Det-Insp Muteweri said. She added that police investigations were intensified, leading to the arrest of the two and the recovery of the stolen cars.

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Last week, the accused appeared at the Gwanda Regional Magistrates Court before Magistrate Stembiso Ndebele. “Anele Thabo Ncube was sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment, while Ayibongwe Mathema was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment,” said Det-Insp Muteweri. Meanwhile, police are appealing for information that could lead to the arrest of Ngwenya. Police also commended the public for embracing community policing initiatives and for supplying information that resulted in the arrest of the accused and the recovery of stolen cars.

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