Bindura Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Robbery After Posing as Prophet
By Staff Reporter
A 29-year-old man from Bindura, has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of three counts of robbery by the Bindura Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard that on April 10, 2024, three individuals drove to Dandarecha Mountain in Guruve for prayers in a Toyota Hilux.
The following day, around 10:00 a.m., Hillary Rambakupetwa approached them while dressed in a church garment, masquerading as a prophet. Under this guise, he advised the group to purchase goods for a purported cleansing ritual.
Exploiting their trust, Rambakupetwa then deceived the complainants by falsely claiming that Chief Negomo had summoned everyone to another mountain to aid someone bitten by a snake.
On the journey to this alleged emergency, Rambakupetwa brandished a knife, threatening the group and stealing belongings and cash totaling USD 750.
One of the complainants was forced to lie down while Rambakupetwa marched another to the motor vehicle. He then compelled her to instruct him on driving the vehicle before binding her hands and gagging her with cloth.
Following a three-day ordeal, authorities managed to track down the stolen vehicle, leading to Rambakupetwa’s arrest on April 13, 2024. The total value of stolen property amounted to USD 93,650, with USD 93,050 worth of property being recovered.
Rambakupetwa pleaded guilty to all charges during his court appearance.
The Bindura Magistrates’ Court subsequently handed down a sentence of five years imprisonment.
