Crimes and Court Correspondent
The High Court of Zimbabwe has ordered the immediate release of four men, including three police officers, who had been on death row for their involvement in a fatal shooting during a botched robbery in 2010.
“We consider the time the applicants have already served on death row, as well as the periods they spent in pre-trial detention and post-conviction,” said the High Court in its ruling.
The four men, Emmanuel Dolosi, Kudzai Madziro, Leeroy Muteyera, and Ronald Roorai Sambo, were initially sentenced to death but were subsequently resentenced to 20 years in prison each.
Justice Mwayera, who presided over the trial, emphasized the aggravated nature of the murder, noting that it was committed with a firearm during an attempted robbery by police officers who had betrayed their duty.
However, following the Supreme Court’s order for resentencing, the High Court reduced their sentences, leading to their release.
“The evidence demonstrated their voluntary participation in the crime,” said Justice Mwayera.
The four men had denied their involvement in the crime, with Dolosi claiming he was coerced into providing misleading indications, Madziro arguing he was unaware of the robbery plan, Muteyera asserting he was investigating his co-accused, and Sambo claiming he was forced to remain at the scene under duress.
Despite their claims, the court found compelling evidence against them, including testimonies from security guards, forensic ballistic reports, and eyewitness accounts.
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