Online Reporter
Trish Mukwazo, [email protected]
A BULAWAYO man accused of being part of a notorious gang that targeted motorists in Bulawayo and Gwanda has been remanded in custody to March 12 for judgment.
Respect Khumalo (22) of Luveve suburb who is facing charges of armed robbery, is appearing before Bulawayo regional magistrate, Mrs Dambudzo Malunga.
In one of the cases, which occurred in November last year, the accused and his accomplices allegedly robbed a Bulawayo motorist of his car, a white Ford Ranger double cab valued at US$22 000. The prosecutor, Mr Owen Mugari said on November 20 last year at around 9pm,Mr Jabulani Sibanda (46) parked his car, a white Ford Ranger outside Chigumira shops in Luveve suburb.
The court heard that Khumalo, along with his two accomplices, Precautious Moyo and Litshe Prince Moyo, who are still at large, allegedly confronted Mr Sibanda while armed with a gun.
“The three men pointed the gun at Mr Sibanda and ordered him to disembark from his car before they took it and drove off at high speed,” said Mr Mugari.
The court heard that the accused also went away with Mr Sibanda’s two cellphones, a Techno and Nokia both valued at US$200, which were inside the car.
Mr Sibanda reported the robbery to the police and investigations led to the recovery of the stolen vehicle, which had been abandoned near a level crossing in Gwanda, close to Spitzkop suburb.
Khumalo was arrested on November 29 last year at their hideout in Luveve suburb following a shootout with the police alongside one Moketsi Ndlovu (18) and Onias Tembo (19) who are also linked to a string of armed robbery, murder and car theft cases.
Police believe the suspects are part of a larger syndicate involved in a series of armed robberies and car thefts between July and November last year.
One of the cases linked to the gang involves an armed robbery on October 1, 2023, along Jungle Road in Harrisville suburb where a Toyota Fun Cargo was stolen after the suspects hired the vehicle from Bulawayo city centre under false pretences.
