A self-proclaimed prophet, Hillary Rambakupetwa (29) from Bindura, has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to robbing three people on a spiritual retreat.
Rambakupetwa’s crimes unfolded on April 10th, 2024, when the three victims, who wished to remain anonymous, travelled to Dandarecha Mountain, Guruve for prayers in their Toyota Hilux.
The following day, “he approached the complainants dressed in a church garment and pretending to be a prophet,” according to a statement by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Gaining their trust, Rambakupetwa reportedly convinced them to “buy some goods that he would use to cleanse them.”
Later that day, Rambakupetwa fabricated a story, claiming “Chief Negomo had summoned everyone to another mountain to assist someone who had been bitten by a snake,” the court documents revealed.
Preying on their compassion, he lured the victims away from their vehicle.
“On the way to the other mountain, the accused person threatened the complainants with a knife and stole belongings and cash valued at US$750,” the statement detailed.
The situation escalated further. “He ordered the other two complainants to lie down and he force-marched the other complainant to the motor vehicle,” the court noted.
In a desperate attempt to escape, Rambakupetwa then “ordered her to teach him how to drive the car before he tied her hands and stuffed a cloth in her mouth.
“On the 13th of April 2024 the Police managed to track down the vehicle leading to the accused person’s arrest,” the NPA said.
While a significant portion of the stolen property, valued at US$93,050, was recovered, US$700 is still outstanding.
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