Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
TWO Harare men, accused of carrying out a string of armed robberies, appeared in court facing three counts, including the theft of US$108,000 from a Ruwa company.
Tinei Makaripe, 47, and Pungurai Mukambachaza, 49, are accused of committing the robberies with accomplices who are still at large.
Makaripe, who was allegedly caught at the scene of the latest robbery after being struck by a brick while fleeing, limped his way into court, and ended up being carried into court by other suspects.
The State alleges that on September 13, the pair and their accomplices targeted Zhan Lingyue, a Chinese national, at Xinda Castings in Ruwa.
Armed with pistols, they allegedly scaled a precast wall before entering a changing room where they put on company work suits and helmets to disguise themselves as employees.
They allegedly intercepted two workers returning from the toilet and force-marched them to the offices.
Once inside, the gang allegedly confronted Lingyue and demanded cash before ransacking the office and stealing a satchel containing US$108,000.
As they fled, they allegedly used a metal ladder to scale the precast wall.
Workers who had been alerted gave chase and threw stones at the fleeing suspects.
Makaripe, who was allegedly running behind his accomplices, was struck by a brick and fell to the ground, allowing workers to apprehend him while the others escaped.
Police investigations subsequently led to Mukambachaza’s arrest and the recovery of US$4,900 from his home.
The State further alleges that the two were involved in an attempted robbery at Kurima Centre in Msasa the previous day.
On September 12, the gang allegedly arrived armed with a pistol, iron bars, machetes and a bolt cutter before scaling the perimeter wall.
Two security guards spotted them and fired warning shots, but the gang allegedly proceeded to break into several offices. They fled empty-handed after a Safeguard reaction team arrived.
Makaripe and Mukambachaza are also being linked to an armed robbery at Redan Service Station in Glen View on June 22.
