Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
A SECURITY guard and his alleged accomplice appeared in court yesterday facing charges of being part of a gang that robbed a Chinese businesswoman of more than US$32 000 in cash at her Southerton suburban residence in Harare at the weekend.
Raison Kambarari of Saphire Security Company and Tinashe Muguti, were not asked to plead when they appeared before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa facing armed robbery charges.
They were remanded in custody and told to apply for bail at the High Court as they face a third schedule offence.
Prosecutors told the court that on Saturday, Mrs Shaolin Chen arrived home with her husband, driving a white Toyota Prado.
As they entered the yard, the gang, armed with pistols, charged towards the vehicle, opened the passenger door and grabbed Mrs Chen’s handbag. The bag reportedly contained US$32 000, a Samsung Galaxy cellphone, car keys and casino chips worth US$5 000.
The robbers fled the scene, prompting Mrs Chen to report the matter to ZRP Mbare.
Investigations later revealed, through CCTV footage, that Kambarari connived with Muguti and others still at large.
Kambarari, who was on duty at the premises, was captured on camera opening the gate for the gang.
He was interviewed and admitted to the offence, leading to the recovery of US$800 from his homestead.
Kambarari also implicated Muguti, who was later arrested at his home, where police recovered US$840 from his trousers pocket.
The other suspects remain at large.
Online Reporter