Zaka Cop Killer Handed 149 Years in Prison for Robbery, Attempted Murder
Convicted armed robber Daniel Munyanyi, who is also facing murder charges for the killing of two CID detectives in Zaka, has been sentenced to a total of 149 years in prison following two separate convictions for robbery, attempted murder and unlawful entry.
Delicious Mathuthu 
Harare - Daniel Munyanyi, who is accused of killing two police detectives in a high-profile shootout earlier this month has been handed back-to-back prison sentences totaling 149 years for a separate series of violent crimes.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed on Wednesday that Daniel Munyanyi (50) was convicted and sentenced this week to 77 years in prison.
The sentence covers a combined 14 counts, including six counts of robbery, one count of attempted murder and seven cases of unlawful entry and theft.
This latest judgment follows a 72-year sentence handed down to Munyanyi last week for previous robbery charges, effectively ensuring the suspect will spend the rest of his life behind bars regardless of the outcome of his pending murder trial.
The convictions expose Munyanyi's extensive criminal career that culminated in the March 1 tragedy at Ndume Village, Zaka.
Munyanyi was the subject of a nationwide manhunt after he allegedly opened fire on a team from the CID Homicide Division, killing Detective Sergeant Bernard Chimbeke and Detective Constable Casper Antonio McKenzie Chitsowe.
Three other officers were wounded in that encounter, with one reportedly requiring a leg amputation.
While Munyanyi has now been sentenced for the robberies that initially led police to his doorstep, he still faces formal murder charges for the deaths of the two detectives.
Legal experts note that the 77-year sentence, combined with the 72-year term from the previous week, represents one of the most significant cumulative sentences handed down in recent Zimbabwean history for non-capital offenses.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that Daniel Munyanyi... has been convicted and sentenced to 77 years imprisonment for 6 counts of robbery, 1 attempted murder and 7 cases of unlawful entry and theft," National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed on Wednesday.
Despite the 149-year total currently imposed, the Zimbabwean state is expected to proceed with the murder case involving the fallen detectives.
The ZRP has maintained a "zero-tolerance" stance following the Zaka shootout, which jilted the nation’s law enforcement community.
Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba previously expressed the force’s resolve to see the case through to its conclusion, honoring the "tragic loss" of the two veteran homicide detectives.
Munyanyi is expected back in court at a later date to answer for the March 1 shooting.
