Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, [email protected]
TWO armed robbers who allegedly carried out a violent crime spree targeting shop owners and fuel service stations — making off with cash and valuables worth US$13 962 and R50 946 — have appeared in court.
John Tizora (49) and Godknows Mathonsi (30), both from Robert Sinyoka on the outskirts of Bulawayo, appeared before Western Commonage Regional Magistrate Mr Pasipanodya Maturure on Wednesday facing three counts of armed robbery.
They were advised of their right to legal representation and to apply for bail at the Bulawayo High Court. They were not asked to plead and were remanded in custody to 6 March 2026.
Prosecutor Ms Christine Manyika told the court that the pair allegedly embarked on their robbery spree on 13 January this year.
“On 13 January 2026 at around 7PM, the accused persons headed to Shalom Gas, Asheys Shopping Centre located in Bulawayo’s Pumula South. Upon arrival, they threatened to shoot complainants — Desire Ndlovu, Lloyd Moyo and Shepherd Dube — with a pistol and robbed them of two cellphones, cash amounting to US$70 and R330,” said Ms Manyika.
Just five days later, on January 18, the two men allegedly struck again — this time at Better Future Supermarket at Emakhandeni Shopping Centre.
“Upon arrival, they threatened to shoot complainants Tafadzwa Mavuka, Nyasha Banda, Fredric Tavanhira and Louser Ndlovu with a pistol and a pellet pistol before robbing them of their property. The accused persons took cash amounting to US$600 and R400, and four cellphones,” the court heard.
Their alleged crime spree continued on January 27 when they reportedly targeted Simunye Supermarket at Emganwini Shopping Centre. Staff were again threatened with a firearm before complainants — Strike Tshuma, Tragedy Mapope and Takudzwa Muchenjekwa — were robbed of US$3 480 and two cellphones.
The court further heard that on February 4, 2026 at around 10PM, the duo allegedly proceeded to Emporium Supermarket at Emakhandeni Shopping Centre. They are accused of threatening to shoot the complainant, Tranasitirwa Nembaware, before robbing her of US$6 700, a cellphone, and then smashing CCTV cameras in an attempt to destroy evidence.
