The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa Weekender Correspondent
SEX workers who are failing to make ends meet by indulging in the oldest profession have turned into robbers, teaming up with thugs to rob unsuspecting clients of their valuables.
Most vulnerable groups are truck drivers and cross border traders who are falling prey
Several have been arrested and brought before the courts.
Mia Rachel Tongai (25) and her male accomplices, Thomas Maropa (23) and Ngoni Bukuta (23) who together with four other accomplices who are still on the run were sentenced to 24 months imprisonment last week for robbing a Harare cross-border trader, Themba Moyo who was on his way to Mozambique.
Moyo had camped in Mutare for the night when he went to Bako Night Club. He met Tongai who was drinking beer with her friends and hired her for the night.
At around 3am, the following morning, Tongai took her client to her Macgrecos room in Sakubva. However, along the way they were waylaid by Maropa and Bukuta who were in the company of four other men.
The suspects had connived with Tongai at the bar.
“The criminals grabbed Moyo by the neck and robbed him of his cash which amounted to $3 200 which was in the pockets of his jean trousers.
They disappeared together with the sex worker leaving the complainant stranded in the dark.
“Moyo reported the matter leading to the arrest of the sex worker and two of her accomplices. Only $740 was recovered,” said public prosecuted Mr Fletcher Karombe.
Mr Tendai Mahwe presided over the matter.
In sentencing the trio, Mr Mahwe said cases of that nature were on the rise in the city and therefore the need for stiffer penalties for the culprits.
In an unrelated matter, a sex worker who robbed her client after having been picked up at a popular night club in Dangamvura was ordered to fork out $100 in fines and restitute the complainant of his $100.
The prostitute who denied community service and begged for a fine told the court that unpaid work would affect her night business.
“Your Worship, I make around $100 a week so I can afford whatever fine you grant me, I however, cannot accept community service as I will lose customers because of it.
I am a hard worker in my line of business and I will afford the fine.
