Mpindeni Ncube, a 44-year-old self-proclaimed prophet from Masendu Village in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe, has been sentenced to six months in prison after being convicted of armed robbery.
Once regarded as a respected spiritual guide in his community, Ncube’s reputation suffered significantly following his conviction by Plumtree resident magistrate Joshua Nembaware.
The robbery occurred on September 27, 2024, near Ndiweni Business Centre in Madlambuzi, Plumtree, where Ncube reportedly ambushed the victim, Siyabulela Mabhena, and threatened him with an okapi knife. During the altercation, Ncube demanded Mabhena’s belongings, warning that he would inflict harm if the victim did not comply. In a brief struggle, Ncube forcibly took Mabhena’s Samsung Grand Prime phone, valued at around US$50.
After the incident, the shocked victim returned to the business centre to seek help from local patrons. A group quickly organized a search party and successfully located Ncube in the nearby Mzwanyana area. Upon confronting him, they recovered both the stolen phone and the knife used in the crime.
During the court proceedings, Ncube pleaded guilty and provided a startling explanation for his actions. He claimed to have just returned from Botswana, where he had provided spiritual services without receiving any payment. Stranded and lacking money for his return journey, he felt compelled to commit the robbery. Initially, he sought cash but resorted to stealing Mabhena’s phone when that plan fell through.
Ncube’s candid admission shocked the courtroom, leaving many struggling to reconcile the actions of a man of faith with his desperate decisions.
Magistrate Nembaware sentenced Ncube to a total of 12 months in prison, suspending half of the sentence on the condition of good behavior. This case highlights the complexities of crime and desperation within vulnerable communities.
