adminThandeka Moyo Court Reporter
A GUN-wielding robber who allegedly shot and injured two people as he tried to escape from an angry mob has appeared in court facing robbery charges. Thokozani Zulu, 39, allegedly robbed and then shot and injured two people in Bulawayo as he tried to escape a crowd that was baying for his blood in December last year.
Zulu pleaded guilty to robbery, attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm. He told regional magistrate Mark Dzira that he wanted to use iSiZulu as he had stayed in South Africa for years.
Zulu was remanded to today for sentencing. It is alleged that Zulu was part of a gang of three-armed men who allegedly robbed a shop of some money. His alleged accomplices ran away leaving him at the mercy of an angry mob.
Prosecuting, Tinashe Dzipe said Zulu approached Blessing Mudenge with his accomplices armed with a gun and demanded cash. “They stole $272 and R650 and got away after tying Mudenge with shoe laces. The trio left the building and Mudenge managed to free himself and started shouting to attract the attention of the public,” said Dzipe.
“As Zulu continued running from the angry crowd he shot at Tonsia Ngwenya who sustained an injury on her thigh. He later shot at Emmanuel Chirodzero and was finally pinned down.”
Dzipe said police recovered a Noringo Star Pistol and live rounds after rescuing him from the angry mob which had started assaulting him.
“Mudenge and Ngwenya were ferried to hospital for medical treatment. Zulu also collapsed and was rushed to hospital where he recovered under police guard,” said Dzipe.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter