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Zvikomborero Parafini
TWO armed robbers, who were involved in a shootout with police before surrendering in Domboshava, had 1045 live rounds of ammunition and FIVE guns by the time they were forced to give up the fight.
The two appeared in court yesterday.
Harare regional magistrate, Marewanazvo Gofa, heard that the police recovered 1045 live rounds and five guns from Kenneth Chiputura, 50, and Jason Munyapa, 18, after they surrendered during the shootout.
The two are being charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and firearms and were remanded in custody to August 28.
Chiputura and Munyapa also appeared together with Mike Chitsiko in a charge of armed robbery.
The court heard that on May 31, the trio, and Raymond Mugabe, who died in the shootout with police, and others still at large, went to a house in Harare armed with a pistol and iron bars.
They ordered the owner of the house to lie down while pointing a pistol at him.
They tied his hands and assaulted him on the head and buttocks while demanding cash.
They ransacked his house and ordered him to show them his safe.
He complied and they stole US$15 000 in cash, five wrist watches, a camera, three pistols, a Smith and Wesson revolver, 800 9mm live rounds of ammunition, 50 44 magnum live rounds of ammunition, 50 308 live rounds of ammunition and 40 792 mauser live rounds of ammunition.
They also stole various pieces of jewellery, six bottles of engine oil, 100 litres of paraffin, a 9kg gas tank, 15 litres of diesel and two boxes of bottles of whisky.
They loaded their loot into the complainant’s white Isuzu double cab and drove away.
They later dumped the vehicle at the corner of Harare Drive and Borrowdale Road.
In the second count, it is alleged that on July 23, the gang raided another house and ordered the whole family to lie down and surrender their phones.
They ransacked the house and stole a briefcase, 11 bottles of wine and cash amounting to US$1 100.
The gang fired a shot into the air before disappearing from the scene.
The value of the stolen property in both robberies is US$107 495 and property worth US$23 800 was recovered.
The three were advised to approach the High Court for bail consideration as they are facing a third schedule offence.
Anesu Chirenje appeared for the State.
Online Reporter