THREE notorious armed robbers who terrorised miners and businesspeople in the Midlands province and Bulawayo getting away with more than $25 000, a vehicle and six rifles, have been sentenced to a combined 188 years in prison.

Tapiwa Chimuti (29), Anyway Madala (27) and Simbarashe Machiritsa (40) who are related and stay at Ascot Infill high-density suburb in Gweru, were part of a six-member gang linked to a spate of armed robberies committed in Bulawayo, Zvishavane, Gweru, Shurugwi, Kwekwe and Kadoma.

Three other members of the gang; Andrew Masendeke, Matrimony Nyathi and Sydney Mangisi are still at large.

Chimuti was sentenced to 91 years, Madala 76 and Machiritsa 21. Police recovered the vehicle and guns which were used during the robberies and the property has since been forfeited to the State.

The three accused were convicted on their own pleas by Gweru regional magistrate Mr Morgan Nemadire.