TWO robbers, who stole a taxi and used it to ferry loot, have been thrown behind bars for an effective 10 years each.

Yeukai Chirinda (23) of Overspill, Epworth and John Tanzima (25) of Mbare admitted to robbery charges when they appeared before regional magistrate Mr Simon Kachambwa.

They were each slapped with a 12-year imprisonment term but two years were set aside for five years on condition of good behaviour.

Prosecutor Ms Fadzai Kuipa told the court that on January 1 around midnight, a cabman, Mr Victor Matutawana was parked at Sports Diner along Samora Machel Avenue when he was approached by Gambara who masqueraded as a genuine passenger in need of a taxi.

They agreed on US$5 fare to drive him to Braeside, number 46 Malta Road where Gambara had left his two accomplices Chirinda and Tanzima who promptly emerged from flowerbeds and opened the driver's door as Gambara feigned paying the fare.

The trio grabbed Matutawana by the neck and bundled him to the back of the car.

Gambara took to the wheel while the other two trussed Matutawana with shoelaces.

They robbed him of US$40 and two cellphones before dumping him at Prospect dumpsite.

Chirinda drove the vehicle to town where they used it to ferry loot from a store they had broken into.

They took the goods to Epworth.

They later dumped the vehicle in Glenview 1 Recreation Park where it was discovered on January 3.

The total value of goods stolen was put at US$4 615.