Bots duo arrested for unlawful entry and robbery

The ongoing blitzkrieg is meant to ensure sanity at ranks around the central business district

TWO illegal immigrants, who flouted the country’s immigration laws before embarking on a robbery spree, appeared in court on Tuesday facing charges of unlawful entry and robbery.

The accused, Prince Madiakgotla (29) and Itani Utlwange (34), stood before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Joseph Mabeza.

Prosecutor Mr Dominic Moyo said the duo, along with a third accomplice (now deceased), unlawfully entered the country through an unknown point and remained there until their arrest on December 5, 2023. Subsequent investigations revealed that both Madiakgotla and Utlwange were Botswana nationals.

“The department of immigration was notified and it was discovered that while Madiakgotla does not possess a passport, Utlwange is a holder of a Botswana passport that he did not use to gain entry into the country,” said Mr Moyo.

In the first count, it is alleged that on September 6, 2023, the two accused individuals and their deceased accomplice, Peter Ngulube, gained entry into the Inzwananzi Primary School yard in Gwabalanda through an opening in the precast wall situated behind the school.

“While in the school they proceeded to the school administration block where they forced open a window and gained entry into the building where they used explosives to blast the chub safe in a bid to force it open. The accused failed to open the safe and fled from the scene. The offence was discovered the next morning around 0600hrs and the total value damaged is US$650,” said Mr Moyo.

On the night of September 9, the accused, accompanied by their deceased accomplice, allegedly unlawfully entered Inyanda High School through an opening in the fence. Armed with a machete, bolt cutter and a 16-inch shifting spanner, they proceeded to the school’s home economics block.

There, they encountered a security guard conducting a perimeter check. The accused reportedly manhandled the guard and threatened to shoot him if he resisted. Using the school flag, they bound his hands and with shoe laces, secured his legs. Subsequently, they cut through the administrative block window to gain entry.