admin
Lisa Mangena, Court Reporter
A 38-YEAR-OLD man from Bulawayo who was arrested for breaking into the Khami Prison Complex thrice where he assaulted a prison guard and robbed four people, was back in court yesterday to give his defence.
Coustin Moyo was released from prison under Presidential Amnesty last year. He appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Stephen Ndlovu facing two counts of unlawful entry, two counts of robbery and one count of assault.
Moyo pleaded guilty to unlawful entry and denied the other four charges. He was remanded in custody to April 29 for judgment.
Moyo told the court that there is no way he could have committed the crimes.
“I deny the December 10 allegations. I couldn’t have robbed these women at the same place in one day and also the description they are giving of the clothes l was wearing is incorrect. I don’t own a black cap and a gold necklace they are talking about.
“On the day in question l was out of town doing other errands,” he said.
The court heard that Moyo has previous convictions for which he was serving before he was released on amnesty in March last year.
Prosecuting, Mr Tony Kamudyariwa said on October 15 last year, Moyo broke into Mr Limgcineni Sibanda’s house at the prison complex and stole a plasma television set and money all worth $749. After he was arrested, the television set worth $ 300 was recovered.
On December 9 the same year, Moyo allegedly robbed Ms Mphosina Sibanda while she was on her way home.
He met her in a bushy area walking towards Khami water works from Pumula suburb. Moyo grabbed her by the hand and demanded her cell phone and money.
Mr Kamudyariwa said Ms Sibanda tried to fight Moyo but he overpowered her and took her cellphone, $40 and four pairs of ladies sandals.
On December 10, Moyo met Ms Zvisinei Ndlovu who was walking in a bushy area from Pumula South to Khami water works.
The prosecutor said Moyo picked up a stone and threatened to kill Ms Ndlovu. He demanded her handbag, a cellphone and a satchel.
“After taking Ms Ndlovu’s bags, Moyo ordered her to run and never look back,” said Mr Kamudyariwa.
He took property worth $135 and $100 was recovered.
On the same day, Moyo hit Mr Ngqondo Moyo with a brick on the head at Khami Prison Complex.
Ngqondo’s wife managed to identify him.
Following his arrest, Mr Sibanda’s plasma television was recovered.
The total value of the stolen property was $1 064 and $664 was recovered. — @LissahMangena.
Online Reporter