Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A TIGHT-KNIT Bulawayo squad turned into a gang of home invaders after plotting to rob their own friend’s mansion while pretending to enjoy drinks together at a local bar.
Eight men appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Shingirai Mutiro charged with a daring and well-coordinated robbery at Newton West Suburb.
The accused are Nduduzo Mthethwa (46), Butho Ndlovu (28), Zibusiso Ndlovu (27), Tyson Taylor Ndlovu (29), Zibusiso Manungwa (28), Nqobile Nxumalo (29), Lewis Mbeli (28), and Alexandra Ngwenya (28). They were all remanded in custody until 8 August.
According to prosecutor Dominic Moyo, the roots of the betrayal began to grow in September 2024. Three of the accused, Manungwa, Nxumalo, and Mbeli, who were friends with Princess Sibanda’s husband, became convinced that the couple was sitting on a small fortune.
This was justified in their weird reasoning because Princess worked at Kings Jewellery.
Driven by greed, they conspired to hit the house. Their first move was a recon mission. On an unknown date in September, Tyson Taylor, Zibusiso Ndlovu, Nqobile, and Lewis showed up at Princess’s home under the cover of night, intending to scout for weaknesses. But something spooked them, and they left empty-handed.
That plan fizzled, but they regrouped to try again.
On October 31, 2024, Tyson put together a new robbery team. This time he brought in Nduduzo, Butho, and Zibusiso Ndlovu. Tyson briefed them in detail, using his inside knowledge to map out the entire operation.
The next day, on 1 November 2024, Tyson took his crew straight to Princess’s house to show them the layout in person. After handing over the plan, he slipped away to the city centre, leaving the others to prepare for the heist.
Meanwhile, to make sure the coast was clear, Manungwa, Nqobile, and Lewis lured Princess’s husband out to koSamuriwo Bar, pretending it was just a casual drinking session among boys.
With the husband away and the house vulnerable, the attackers made their move.
On 2 November, the robbery team climbed into a blue Honda Fit driven by Alexandra Ngwenya, who is still on the run.
They parked outside the house with full knowledge that Princess was alone inside. Armed with pistols, an axe, and a pick handle, they forced the door open and stormed in like a scene from a movie.
Princess, who was sleeping peacefully, woke up to terror. The gang pulled her hair, yanked her from her blankets, and pointed a gun at her head, demanding cash and valuables.
The criminals ransacked the home, helping themselves to a cellphone, an iPhone 13 Pro Max, three 72-inch TVs, expensive jewellery including earrings and bracelets, and designer footwear before disappearing into the night.
Subsequent events blew the myth that there was honour among thieves, to smithereens.
In a bizarre twist, Tyson Taylor later confronted his accomplices to demand his cut as the mastermind. Instead of praise, he got a shocking reply. The others claimed that police had intercepted them and confiscated the stolen property, forcing them to abandon everything at ZRP Tshabalala.
Police follow-ups resulted in the arrest of some of the gang members who sang like canaries to identify their colleagues.
