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Abel Zhakata Senior Reporter
EIGHT suspects who were believed to be the architects of the 10kgs diamond ore armed robbery at Anjin Diamond Mine in Chiadzwa at the beginning of the year have been acquitted of the charges after the State revealed that there was no evidence linking them to the offence.
Well known Mutare socialite, Tazeni Machingura, and his suspected accomplices who included soldiers and civilians were acquitted by Mr Alex Shumba at the close of the State case.
Lawyers, Mr Farai Matinhure and Mr Chris Ndlovu of Gonese and Ndlovu Legal Practitioners, jointly represented the accused persons.
The State led by public prosecutor, Mr Mike Tembo, failed to prove a case against the accused persons after witnesses who were called to testify did not positively identify the suspects as the perpetrators of the crime.
Allegations were that they connived to rob the diamond mining company on January 18, 2014 and teamed up with Edmore Chingarande who committed suicide by shooting himself following their arrest. The gang allegedly used a Honda Fit (ACV 2895) owned by Machingura and an Isuzu truck (ABD 6240) belonging to one Mwashita in the robbery. The suspects who were clad in army regalia and armed with AK assault rifles pounced on Plant Number 5 at the mine.
To gain entry into the plant, the suspects used a blot cutter and then ambushed a guard who was manning the premises at gun point and threatened to shoot him if he resisted.
They cut the cage housing the diamond ore and got away with 10kgs of diamond ore which they loaded into sacks.
However, some alert security guards intercepted the gang. The fleeing suspects shot 12 rounds into the air in a bid to scare away the guards.
They sped off with the diamond ore. Upon their arrest Chingarande shot himself.
Online Reporter