Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini-Court Reporter
FOUR men arrested following a fatal shoot-out with police in Ndume Village, Zaka, on Sunday — in which two detectives were killed — have appeared in court.
Aphel Muzanenhamo Chiro (34), Nashe Gasva (18), Hughsters Chiro (24) and Spencer Madimutsa appeared before Harare magistrate Jessie Kufa facing armed robbery and attempted murder charges.
The shoot-out resulted in the death of Detective Sergeant Bernard Chindeke (38) and Detective Constable Casper Antonio McKenzie Chitsowe (42).
According to the State, the four were arrested at the scene following the gun battle.
Prosecutors allege that before the Zaka incident, the four had been involved in a series of armed robberies in Harare.
The court heard that on February 27 at around 2am, the gang, acting in the company of Daniel Munyanyi, hatched a plan to rob Juliet Chapura (31) of Retreat, Waterfalls.
It is alleged that they armed themselves with a pistol and an iron bar and wore police uniforms and balaclavas before forcing entry into her home.
Once inside, they allegedly pointed a pistol at her and demanded cash, taking US$15 before searching the house for more money.
Before leaving, they allegedly told her they had shot her father, Gift Chapura (61), at his residence in Rafingora.
The total value stolen in that incident was US$30 and nothing was recovered.
The State further alleges that on February 28, at around 2 am, the gang targeted Wellington Mukandabvi (54) at Polokwane Bar in Vantage, Spitzkop, Harare.
They allegedly armed themselves with a pistol, knife and taser and wore balaclavas before entering the bar and closing the doors.
One of them allegedly took US$700 from a bucket at the selling point while demanding more money from the staff.
During the robbery, patrons allegedly attempted to apprehend them, leading to a violent confrontation.
Tichaona Tafadzwa Chitengu was allegedly shot once on the left buttock, while Rumbidzayi Katembwe, Please Magada and Tendayi Chikwiyo were allegedly stabbed on different parts of their bodies.
The gang allegedly fired multiple shots before fleeing through the back door to a getaway vehicle.
Property valued at US$1 000 was stolen and items worth US$100 were recovered following their arrest.
The State opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the offences.
Magistrate Kufa told the four that only the High Court could handle an application for bail as they are facing Third Schedule offences.
