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Faking robbery backfires

by Staff reporter
11 hrs ago | Views
Two men have been arrested and jailed after orchestrating a fake robbery in which they falsely reported being robbed of US$5,200 in cash and several cellphones. Richard Jahwi (20), from Zengeza 3, Chitungwiza, and Osten Makwinga (24), from Goodhope, Westgate in Harare, were convicted for their role in the staged crime that resulted in property damage and disruption to police resources.

According to a statement from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the duo's plan began on January 21, 2025, when they received 586 cases of peanut butter from their employer for sale. Four days later, they filed a police report claiming they had been victims of a robbery. They alleged that thieves had stolen US$5,200, which was profits from the peanut butter sale, along with several cellphones.

CID spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri confirmed the arrests and explained that the police were immediately suspicious of the men's claims. "Alert police officers noticed some inconsistencies in the duo's statements, prompting an interrogation that eventually uncovered the staged robbery," she said.

Further investigations revealed that the two men had gone so far as to smash the windows of their vehicle to make the robbery appear more convincing. They had also used a portion of the stolen money before filing the false report.

After the arrests, police recovered US$3,200, several cellphones, and a speaker hidden in a bush along the Gutu-Chivhu Road. The stolen goods and cash were returned to their rightful owner.

Jahwi and Makwinga have been charged with deliberately supplying false information to a public authority, theft, and malicious damage to property. The two men were convicted and are currently facing jail time for their actions.

This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of making false police reports, which not only waste law enforcement resources but also divert attention from genuine cases. Police have warned the public that they will take swift action against anyone found fabricating crimes or misdirecting investigative efforts.

Source - The Chronicle