Notorious Norton robber Jerrifanos Dube sentenced for reign of terror

MELULEKI NCUBE — THE NORTON TIMES

NORTON – A notorious local criminal, Jerrifanos Dube (23), was on March 14 sentenced to an effective six and a half years in prison by Norton Magistrate Christina Nyandoro on Thursday, March 14, 2024. The conviction comes amidst a wave of violent crimes that have plagued the town of Norton.

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Dube's charge sheet, which reads like a horror script, documents multiple serious offences he committed against fellow Norton residents. 

On October 4, 2023, Dube assaulted Michael Hoboya with a machete at Sabhuku Bottle Store in Norton’s Katanga suburb over a snooker game dispute, leaving Hoboya with a deep cut on his left hand.

Dube's reign of terror escalated on November 20, 2023, with more than five counts of serious crimes committed in a single night. 

He was part of a gang that raided Downtown Bar in Kingsdale suburb, assaulting owners Majory Jaricha and Collins Mafanise and robbing them of items valued at US$415.

The same day, Dube assaulted Melvine Mutaiki and Vimbai Muzondiwa with a machete at Masibe Canteen in Kingsdale suburb, robbing them of items valued at US$350. 

He also robbed 22-year-old Saddington Mugweni, taking a cellphone handset and cash valued at US$100.

Just after midnight on November 21, 2023, Dube and others attempted to rob Philimon Manenji at his home, damaging windows and a door and stabbing Manenji on the mouth and nose.

For the robbery cases, Dube was sentenced to five years in prison, with one year suspended on condition of good behaviour. 

An additional year will be suspended if he reimburses Jaricha and Mutaiki for their losses before May 30, 2024. For the attempted robbery of Manenji, 

Dube received a four-year sentence, with a year suspended on condition of good behaviour. He also received a six-month jail sentence for the Masibe Canteen robbery.

Public Prosecutor Arthur Bosha represented the State.

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In our thrust to tell the stories that matter to every Zimbabwean across Zimbabwe, we have joined forces with Norton's only community newspaper to document this booming town — its people and its perspectives.