Tinotenda Hove – A Redcliff Municipality ambulance technician and two accomplices have been convicted for stealing cash from a road accident victim they were sent to assist, in a shocking abuse of trust.

The Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court found Edius Mugonegwa (40), Pride Makamba (25), and Anashe Mukwamba (23) guilty of theft after they allegedly stole US$1,260 in cash and US$10 in airtime from a victim during an emergency response.

The incident occurred on 7 September 2025, when Mugonegwa responded to a crash along the Kwekwe-Redcliff Road. While providing first aid, bloodstained cash fell from the victim’s pocket. Instead of safeguarding it, Mugonegwa and his two accomplices allegedly conspired to take the money for themselves.

The victim discovered the theft upon regaining consciousness at Kwekwe General Hospital and immediately reported the matter to police. Prompt investigations by the CID in Kwekwe led to the arrest of the three suspects, with part of the stolen cash recovered.

The court handed down the following sentences:

Edius Mugonegwa (40): 18 months imprisonment, with 3 months suspended for five years; 15 months set aside in lieu of 825 hours of community service.

Pride Makamba (25) and Anashe Mukwamba (23): 12 months imprisonment each, with 3 months suspended for five years; 9 months set aside for 315 hours of community service.

The case has sparked outrage among locals, highlighting concerns over accountability in emergency services.