Drug dealer jailed for role in attempted Vodafone robberies

Tawana Tafirenyika, 22, from Coventry, was sentenced to three years and two months after admitting three counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and counts of attempted robbery.

The offences were linked to drug dealing in Reading and two attempted robberies at Vodafone stores in London.

PC James Dunwell, of the Reading Neighbourhood Disruption Team, said: "This sentence reflects the seriousness of Tafirenyika’s offending and demonstrates our determination to target those involved in the supply of harmful Class A drugs and wider organised criminality.

"Drug dealing causes significant harm to our communities and is often linked to other offences, including violence and robbery.

"Our officers use both overt and covert tactics to identify, disrupt and prosecute those involved in organised criminal activity, and we will continue to take robust action against those seeking to profit from crime."

Tafirenyika was first arrested on May 7, 2025, in Reading after officers observed suspected drug dealing.

He fled but was detained in Iliffe Close and found with cash, a mobile phone, and discarded wraps of crack cocaine and heroin.

Forensic evidence linked him to the drugs.

Less than two weeks later, on May 20, 2025, officers witnessed another suspected drug deal on Goldsmid Road.

Tafirenyika tried to escape on a bicycle but was detained and arrested.

Police recovered cash, a mobile phone, a drugs line number, and nearly three grams of crack cocaine.

Investigators later connected him to two attempted Vodafone store robberies in London on June 27, 2025.

At the Chiswick store, Tafirenyika entered first, posing as a customer and speaking to staff.

Two co-defendants then forced their way into the premises. Staff were threatened and pushed towards a secure stock room.

The group fled when told police had been called.

Later that day, three men entered a Vodafone store in Sutton and threatened staff.

One employee was physically grabbed, and another offender suggested he had a knife.

The group again left empty-handed.

Investigators found that Tafirenyika acted as a decoy in both incidents, entering first and allowing his associates to follow.

The next day, officers stopped a van linked to the robberies and found Tafirenyika inside, carrying a knife.

He was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on October 28.

PC Dunwell urged the public to remain vigilant.

He said: "Information from the public plays a vital role in helping us build intelligence and develop proactive investigations.

"If you have concerns about drug-related activity in your area, please report it to us."

The case forms part of Thames Valley Police’s ongoing Stronghold activity, which targets serious organised crime.