Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE trial of a notorious eight-member gang accused of unleashing a violent robbery wave across Beitbridge has been postponed to 22 September.
Tinashe Nkomo, alias Sadamu or Jeck (39), Future Moyo (35), Decent Moyo (35), Obey Chiware (38), Wiseman Muleya (30), Tendai Mapira (45), Khumbulani Mabhena (42) and Admire Charumbira (36) — were remanded in custody when they appeared before regional magistrate Charity Maphosa on Monday.
The gang is linked to nine brutal heists carried out between June 19 and August 20, targeting homes, businesses and street vendors.
Prosecutor Willbrought Muleya told the court that the gang’s downfall began when detectives received a tip-off linking Future Moyo to a July 27 robbery, where an airtime vendor in Garikai area was attacked and robbed of R15 000 and two phones.
“Moyo was caught red-handed while selling the stolen airtime vouchers at a discount,” Muleya said.
During interrogation, Moyo allegedly spilled the beans, leading to the arrest of his seven accomplices.
Police recovered a loaded Girsan pistol with 36 rounds, two getaway cars — a Honda Fit (AEO 9989) and a Toyota Probox (AGT 7877) — along with airtime vouchers worth US$310.
The state outlined a scary robbery spree:
• July 1: Home invasion in Khwalu 1 suburb, where the gang got away with R4 000, US$3 000 and two phones.
• July 16: Shop robbery in the same area, loot included R27 100, US$130, phones and shoes.
• August 13: Dulivhadzimu attack on an airtime vendor, with US$1 200, R2 000 and airtime vouchers worth US$2 500 stolen.
• Another victim was later robbed of R99 400, US$1 550 and a phone.
Residents have been living in fear as the gang allegedly struck with military precision, often disappearing before police arrived.
The case continues on 22 September.
