Saturday, October 5, 2024 - Ncube, a 44-year-old, self-styled prophet from Masendu Village in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe, has been sentenced to six months in prison after being convicted of armed robbery.
Once respected in his community as a spiritual guide, Ncube's reputation was
tarnished following his conviction by Plumtree resident magistrate Joshua
Nembaware.
The robbery took place on September 27, 2024, near Ndiweni Business Centre in
Madlambuzi, Plumtree. Ncube reportedly ambushed the victim, Siyabulela Mabhena,
threatening him with an okapi knife. During the confrontation, Ncube demanded
Mabhena's belongings, warning that he would harm him if he did not comply. In a
brief struggle, he forcibly took Mabhena's Samsung Grand Prime phone, valued at
approximately US$50.
After the robbery, the shocked victim returned to the
business centre and sought assistance from local patrons. A group quickly
organized a search party, successfully tracking Ncube to the nearby Mzwanyana
area. Upon confronting him, they recovered both the stolen phone and the knife
used in the assault.
During court proceedings, Ncube, who pleaded guilty, provided a shocking
explanation for his actions. He claimed to have just returned from Botswana,
where he had offered spiritual services but was not compensated. Stranded and
without money for his return journey, he felt compelled to commit the robbery.
Initially seeking cash, he resorted to stealing Mabhena's phone when that plan
failed.
Ncube's candid admission left the courtroom in disbelief, as many found it
difficult to reconcile the actions of a man of faith with his desperate
choices.
Magistrate Nembaware sentenced Ncube to a total of 12 months in prison,
suspending half of the term on the condition of good behaviour. This case
serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding crime and desperation in
vulnerable communities.
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