By Courts and Crime Reporter

A GANG of robbers who were busted after robbing a Target Kopje home and throwing a couple in a mineshaft were on Friday, June 17, sentenced to life in prison at Masvingo High Court.

Justice Garainesu Mawadze had no kind sentence for the four; Shepherd Chinhara, Kudakwashe Nyashanu, Needmore Chipoterwa and Edison Donza due to the nature of their crime and dictates of the law.

They were being represented by Advocate Omen Mafa on Pro Deo basis provided in the constitution that every murder accused person should not stand trial without legal representation.

Farai Matose represented the state. Obvious Nhokovedzo and his now deceased wife, Rutendo Ndeya were robbed of $500 000, US$80, R800, $15 000 in EcoCash, a Nissan Caravan, and cellphones.

The robbers then tied the couple and threw their bodies in a mineshaft resulting in the death of Ndeya while Nhokovedzo sustained serious injuries.

Robbery cases in homes owned by business people and at their business premises are on the rise across the country.

This has been largely attributed to an ailing economy and in most cases ex-security forces and serving members are involved.