Armed robber denied bail

Paidamoyo Bore

Suspected armed robber, Edmore Kamukosi, was denied bail by Harare High Court judge, Justice Rodgers Manyangadze. Kamukosi is linked to three counts of robbery in Macheke. The judge said Kamukosi is likely to skip trial considering the grave nature of the offences committed. 

He further stated that Kamukosi’s accomplices were still on the run, and if he was released, he might team up with them. Kamukosi denied all the allegations, saying he was a victim of circumstances.

According to Kamukosi, he did not know his alleged accomplice, Matthew Chituma. Kamukosi said he was only given a lift from Macheke on his way to Harare. 

The court heard that Kamukosi, Chituma, and their accomplices smashed the complainant’s bedroom window, fired a shot in the air, and ransacked his house while he was sleeping. 

The gang stole US$200, cellphones, 25 litres of cooking oil, and US$150 from the complainants. 

Kamukosi and Chituma were arrested a kilometre away with a spent cartridge found in their bag.

Kamukosi told the court that Chituma parked at a service station on their way to Harare to buy refreshments.

He alleged that while they were in the car, police detectives pounced on them.

Kamukosi also said that they were taken to Marondera Police Station where he was advised of the robbery allegations.

He told the court that he knew the complainant because he once dated his daughter.

He revealed that he once had an altercation with the complainant over allegations of impregnating his daughter.

He said the allegations were just meant to “fix” him since he denied impregnating the complainant’s daughter. 

The court heard that on July 22 last year, Kamukosi, Chituma and their accomplices went to the complainant’s house in Macheke. 

The State said the gang ransacked the house, demanded cash from the complainant and due to fear, the complainant gave them US$200 and cellphones. 

They went to the next room and stole US$150.