Chronicle Editor
Online writer
Bulawayo, November 26, 2024 (New Ziana) An eight-member gang of
suspected robbers that is believed to have targeted filling stations in
and around Bulawayo between February and November, has been arraigned
before the regional Magistrates Courts facing 10 counts of armed
robbery.
The suspects, identified as Elvis Charakupa (40) and Khulumani Moyo
(51), Mavrick Dube (32), Mongameli Moyo (27), Nkosilomusa Dube (31),
Conilias Chigara (24), Mabhena Qhawe (43), and Vumani Msipa (31), were
charged with armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms.
Amongst them were two illegal foreign currency dealers.
They were not asked to plead when they appeared before Magistrate Joseph
Mabeza who remanded them in custody to December 6 and December 9.
Prosecutor Siphiwe Mhlanga told the court that the suspects orchestrated
a series of violent robberies, primarily targeting fuel stations and
businesses, during which they stole a total of US$5,000 and ZAR120,000.
They reportedly shot and injured some victims who resisted their demands
during their reign of terror.
“At around 8PM on February 19, three suspects approached a security
guard at a fuel station in Mpopoma, Bulawayo. When confronted, they
fired three shots, injuring the guard. The victim was rushed to ZRP
Western Commonage and later referred to Mpilo Hospital.
“On 22 April, Kelvin North, three robbers armed with a pistol and knives
raided a fuel station in Kelvin North and stole US$900 and a cellphone
after firing a warning shot and threatening fuel attendants,” Mhlanga
told the court.
The court was further told that on November 10, a group of six masked
robbers stormed a Kelvin North service station at 8 p.m.
They fired shots in the air, ordered staff to lie down, and stole US$600
and a DVR after disabling the CCTV system. One victim sustained a
gunshot wound.
On November 15, robbers broke into a house in Bradfield, stealing a safe
containing passports, a cellphone, and US$50.
On November 20, 2024, information from the public led to the arrest of
Elvis Charakupa, who then identified his accomplices.
The State said that the police recovered a blue Nissan Note, a silver
Toyota Corolla, and an unregistered firearm with a loaded magazine.
New Ziana
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu