Midlands trio jailed for brutal murder during robbery

ZIMSPHERE 

GWERU – In a chilling turn of events, three young men have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for the brutal murder of a shop attendant during a robbery. Misheck Betsere, 19, Hardlife Muzondo, 18, and Kudakwashe Moyana, 23, were convicted in the High Court sitting at Gweru.

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The crime occurred on March 24, 2024, at Mazvikanda Shopping Centre in Munyati, Kwekwe. 

The victim, a 22-year-old shop worker, was fatally attacked after refusing to sell beer to the trio, who were drinking at the time, and again after she told them she had no change to offer.

Enraged by her refusals, the men returned to the shop and violently stabbed her twice in the chest with a flick knife before stealing a cash box containing USD$130. 

The victim succumbed to her injuries upon arrival at the hospital.

Following a police investigation, the three were swiftly apprehended. The court sentenced Betsere and Muzondo to 20 years in prison, while Moyana received a 23-year sentence.

This case underscores a troubling trend in the Midlands, which currently holds the highest murder rate in Zimbabwe, with 90% of incidents involving lethal weapons.