Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku [email protected]
ONE of three armed robbers who allegedly raided a supermarket in Bulawayo’s Emakhandeni suburb and robbed workers and customers of more than US$4 000 in cash and several cellphones has appeared in court.
Mpumelelo Mthandazo Ndlovu (35) appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Taurai Manuwere facing eight counts of armed robbery.
He was remanded in custody to August 24 for continuation of trial.
Ndlovu, who is representing himself, pleaded not guilty to all the charges, denying that he was in Emakhandeni when the alleged robbery occurred.
“I don’t know anything about this crime. On the day in question I was out of town,” he argued.
The court heard that Ndlovu and two accomplices, who are still at large, allegedly targeted Better Future Supermarket on January 18 this year.
One of the State witnesses, Ms Sidumisile Tshuma, a cashier at the supermarket, told the court that the robbers ordered workers and customers to lie on the floor before taking money and valuables.
“I can’t recognise the face. One of his accomplices ordered everyone to lie down on the floor. After that they took US$700 and R20 from my till,” she said. However, another witness, supermarket supervisor Mr Lincoln Binna, said he was able to identify Ndlovu after the accused allegedly pointed a firearm at him and demanded money. “I know the accused. I can recognise his face as I looked at him when one of his accomplices dragged me into the shop after they fetched me from the office where I was hiding,” he said. “He pointed a gun at me while demanding cash. I gave him US$2 300 and R700.”
Prosecuting, Mr Milton Moyo said the three suspects allegedly planned the robbery before arriving at the supermarket at around 7PM.
“Upon arrival at Better Future Supermarket, one of the accused pretended to be a genuine customer and bought a few goods. He then proceeded to the exit point without a receipt, sparking a misunderstanding with a security guard identified as Takudzwa Mavuka,” he said.
The court heard that during the ensuing confusion, one of the alleged accomplices produced a pistol and ordered everyone to lie on the floor.
The robbers allegedly took US$700 from Tshuma’s till before searching her and taking a cellphone, US$1 and R20.
They allegedly proceeded to another till operated by Andile Mafu, where they took a cellphone and US$500.
The court further heard that they took a cellphone and US$2 300 from Binna before allegedly taking a Samsung A04E cellphone and US$955.
One customer was allegedly robbed of US$50.
The total value of the cash and cellphones allegedly stolen during the robbery was more than US$8 000.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to investigations and Ndlovu’s arrest. His two alleged accomplices are still at large.
