Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
POLICE in Shurugwi have arrested six alleged armed robbers accused of raiding a local businessman while armed with a pistol and knives before stealing US$8 000 in cash and two mobile phones.
The six accused — Tatenda Musara (27), Dennis Takavagwisa (21), Takudzwa Yotamu (24), MacDonald Chinyowa (20), Jetro Chiwundura (28) and Tafadzwa Hove (22) — appeared before Gweru Provincial Magistrate Mrs Sibongile Marondedze yesterday, each facing a robbery charge.
The accused pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody until July 6 to allow a trial date to be set.
Prosecutor Mr Sibangani Dube told the court that the complainant is Mr Blessing Saidi (32), an unemployed resident of Shurugwi.
Mr Dube said Musara is an unemployed resident of Claremont Park, Gweru, while Takavagwisa, Yotamu and Chinyowa are all unemployed residents of Sebanga Extension, Shurugwi. Chiwundura is from Mawarure Village under Chief Mukoka in Gokwe, while Hove is from a village under Chief Banga in Shurugwi. All the accused are unemployed.
“On February 10, at about 1900 hours, the accused persons, who were armed with machetes and a pistol, connived and hatched a plan to rob the complainant at his house in Sebanga Extension, Shurugwi,” said Mr Dube.
The court heard that the accused allegedly travelled in a blue Honda Fit belonging to Musara and parked it some distance from the complainant’s home before proceeding on foot.
The gang allegedly confronted the complainant in his office, produced a pistol and Colombian knives, and demanded cash and valuables.
“The accused persons took a rope and tied both legs of the complainant together, ordering him to lie face down on the floor before ransacking the entire room,” said Mr Dube.
The accused allegedly stole US$8 000 in cash, a Samsung S23 Ultra mobile phone and a Samsung A14 mobile phone before fleeing, leaving the complainant tied up on the floor.The court heard that on June 16, police received a tip-off about the suspects’ whereabouts.
“Police intercepted a Toyota Mark X being driven by Yotamu. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a 7.65mm Unique pistol, which was allegedly used in the commission of the offence,” said Mr Dube.
The court heard that Yotamu was interviewed and allegedly implicated the other accused persons.
“The recovered firearm can be produced in court as an exhibit. The complainant was not medically examined as he did not sustain serious injuries. The total value stolen is US$8800 and none of the stolen property has been recovered,” said Mr Dube.
