Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, [email protected]
A 28-year-old man allegedly linked to a violent machete-wielding robbery syndicate that terrorised residents across several Bulawayo suburbs by raiding homes in the dead of night has appeared in court facing 14 counts of armed robbery.
Joseph Phiri, of Phiri Buyu Village in Lupane, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Ms Patience Madondo yesterday in connection with a spate of violent home invasions targeting families in Mahatshula, King City, Buena Vista and Manningdale.
The court heard that the gang allegedly used machetes, axes and claw bars to forcibly gain entry into homes before assaulting occupants and stealing cash, cellphones and other valuables.
Phiri was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody until May 27.
Prosecuting, Mr Owen Mugari told the court that Phiri allegedly committed the offences together with Oscar Ndlovu, Paulos Hadebe and Jomuchomu, who remain at large.
According to the State, the group operated as an organised robbery syndicate targeting residential properties during the early hours of the morning when occupants were asleep and most vulnerable.
“The accused persons would force entry into homes armed with machetes and iron bars before threatening complainants and demanding cash and valuables,” said Mr Mugari.
In one of the incidents, which allegedly occurred on May 9 in Mahatshula East, the gang reportedly used an axe to break down a door before threatening complainant Makhosi Msimango (39) with machetes.
Fearing for his life, Msimango surrendered US$2 000 to the gang.
The court also heard that on April 21, the suspects allegedly used a claw bar to gain entry into another house before stealing a handbag containing US$150 and eight cellphones.
Five of the stolen cellphones were later recovered after they had been dumped in the yard.
“On the same night, at a house in King City, the complainant, Martha Ferbie Sachikomwe (39) and her husband were assaulted with machetes and surrendered money amounting to US$2,303 and R2,500,” said Mr Mugari.
Another complainant, Bernard Mutandwa (54), of Buena Vista, was allegedly attacked with machetes on April 27 before being robbed of US$423.
The court heard that in some incidents, the gang allegedly turned violent and damaged property when occupants resisted their demands.
“Tonderai Severino Masvinyangwa (46), of King City, was struck twice on the head with a machete when the group tried to rob him. A medical affidavit was submitted as an exhibit,” said the prosecutor.
In another incident, Mernard Jera (46), of Manningdale, allegedly had windows and doors at his house damaged with axes and claw bars during an attempted robbery on April 14.
The court further heard that earlier this month, the gang allegedly attempted to force entry into another house by smashing windows and doors using stones and claw bars.
Detectives identified Phiri after the gang was captured on surveillance footage during one of the alleged robberies.
“Phiri and his accomplices were captured on video with Phiri wearing a brown jacket and a pink bucket hat. The jacket was recovered and is being held as an exhibit,” said Mr Mugari.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to investigations and Phiri’s subsequent arrest.
Police are still searching for the remaining suspects believed to be part of the syndicate.
