Four men, Shepherd Chinhara, Kudakwashe Nyashanu, Needmore Chipoterwa and Edson Donza who breached the course of justice by murdering Target Kopje businessman Obvious Nhokovedzos wife Rutendo Ndega by throwing her together with her husband into a 20 meter deep mine shaft that is in the same residential area will spent the next 22 years in jail. The state established that on 14 January this year, the four robbers pounced on the couples homestead in Target Kopje suburb in Masvingo, blindfolded the two and robbed them of cash ($500 000, US$80, R800, $15 000 in EcoCash, a Nissan Caravan, debit cards, cellphones and other valuables before throwing them into a 20 meter deep disused mine shaft in the same area.
The wife died as a result of the fatal injuries sustained during the 20-meter drop while the husband escaped death by a whisker as he sustained serious injuries and later on got hospitalised.
The matter came to light on the following day when a passerby heard cries for help coming from the direction of the mine shaft and made a report at Rujeko Police station leading to the recovery of Ndeya’s body and the rescue of Nhokovedzo. Investigations were made leading to the arrest of the four who were later on found with some of the belongings. Bishard Chineka slapped each one of the four with 22 years behind bars. Liberty Hove represented the state.