A 19-year-old resident of Tshibizwa, under Chief Matibe in Beitbridge, Givers Mbedzi, has been handed an eight-year prison sentence following his involvement in a violent armed robbery. Mbedzi was part of a four-person gang, with three accomplices still at large, that targeted a neighbour in a daring midnight raid. The incident occurred around 1 AM on June 2nd of this year, terrifying the victim and leaving a community in fear.

The criminal group, armed with knives, a pistol, and a garden pick, forcefully gained entry into the victim's home. Once inside, they demanded money, proceeding to rob the unsuspecting villager of R10 000 and US$190. To ensure compliance and reinforce their threats to kill the victim if there was any resistance, the gang reportedly fired two warning shots before making their escape into the darkness, leaving behind a trail of fear and financial loss.

However, the reign of terror faced an early obstacle when Givers Mbedzi was recognized by the complainant. This crucial identification led to a thorough investigation by detectives, culminating in Mbedzi's apprehension. He subsequently appeared before Beitbridge Regional Magistrate Charity Maphosa, where he was formally convicted of robbery, facing the consequences of his actions.

The initial sentence for Mbedzi was eight years in jail. However, four years of this term were conditionally suspended based on the expectation of good behaviour, resulting in an effective four-year term behind bars. Meanwhile, Prosecutor Willbrought Muleya confirmed that authorities are continuing their hunt for the remaining three suspects involved in the robbery, and the stolen money has not yet been recovered.

Police have indicated that Mbedzi's gang was not an isolated incident but rather part of a larger group that has been actively terrorizing the Beitbridge East area. This ongoing criminal activity has been a significant source of fear and insecurity for villagers in the region, prompting intensified efforts by law enforcement to restore peace and order.