Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
THREE more suspected members of the gang that robbed the in-laws of businessman Wicknell Chivayo in Marondera have been arrested, raising the total of suspected gangsters to 18.
Shingirai Bhaureni, Dave Saurombe and Munyaradzi Chakanetsa appeared in court yesterday and were remanded in custody.
They were told only the High Court could grant bail for robbery charges.
The robbery on March 18 at around 1am at Alfa and Omega Farm saw the gang armed with rifles, pistols, machetes and iron bars first confront Petros Mabunhu, a security guard employed by DM Security.
They assaulted him with iron bars before demanding to know the whereabouts of the other guards on duty and tying his hands and legs with cable ties.
The robbers then marched Mabunhu to the yard, where they confronted a second guard, Mutasa Rusike, disarming him of his CBC shotgun, which was unloaded.
Rusike was also tied up and taken to the front guardroom.
The gang then assaulted Medic Zhakata, a third guard, striking him multiple times before tying him up as well.
Two of the robbers stayed behind to guard the injured guards while the rest of the gang proceeded to the main house where they used bolt cutters to break through the anti-burglary screen, forcing open the main door.
Once inside, they forced open the kitchen door and took one of the guards to Mr Gerald Muteke’s bedroom, demanding cash.
Fearing for his life, Muteke handed over US$18 000, a Sarsilmaz pistol loaded with eight rounds, and two Samsung phones.
The robbers then demanded to see the safe and passed through Ms Vimbai Muteke’s bedroom, where she surrendered US$1 100, a safe key, and another Samsung phone.
They took her to the main bedroom, where she opened the safe, yielding an additional US$55 000.
During the robbery, Mr Elphas Maruta, armed with a .303 Lee Enfield rifle, learnt of the situation and approached the house, firing two shots at the robbers.
The gang returned fire before fleeing with the stolen goods valued at US$85 558. Property valued at US$6 300 was later recovered.
The latest three suspects are also accused of a previous robbery on February 25. They allegedly broke into Mr Cossam Siminya’s Zengeza 4 residence, finding him and his wife, Ms Precious Makore, asleep. Ms Makore woke when dogs started barking and alerted her husband upon hearing the robbers banging on the back door.
The couple shouted for help, but the robbers managed to break in and confronted Panashe Zhuwawo, who was sleeping in a spare bedroom, demanding cash and valuables. Neighbours who came to assist were intimidated by the robbers, who fired shots into the air.
The gang ransacked Mr Siminya’s bedroom, stealing about US$10 000 from a wardrobe, along with electronics and household items. They also confronted Mr Bosco Chidukudze, assaulting him and stealing his phone before fleeing the scene.
Mr Lancelot Mutsokoti represented the State in court proceedings.
The suspects face charges related to both robberies, and the police continue to investigate, working to apprehend any remaining accomplices involved.
