Chronicle Editor
Mashudu Netsianda, Senior Court Reporter
ONE of the two armed robbers who recently raided a residential flat in Bulawayo’s Central Business District and allegedly robbed a 59-year-old woman of R230, $70, US$3 and costume jewellery at gunpoint has been arrested.
Munyaradzi Mabigana (38) of Pumula East and his two unidentified accomplices allegedly stormed into Ms Kara Maya Pritam Kara’s home armed with a pistol.
They tied the woman’s hands with a string and shoved toilet paper into her mouth before ordering her to direct them to her bedroom where they allegedly robbed her of her money, necklace, gold ring, a wrist watch and a cellphone.
Mabigana appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Nomasiko Ndlovu facing charges of armed robbery and possession of stolen property. He was remanded in custody to November 18.
Prosecuting, Mr Nkathazo Dlodlo said on August 29 at about 12.30PM, Ms Kara was at her home seated in the kitchen when Mabigana, who was in the company of his two accomplices who are still at large, allegedly stormed the house.
The court heard that the complainant tried to scream, but one of the accused persons who was armed with a firearm, threatened to kill her.
“They stashed some pieces of toilet paper into the complainant’s mouth and tied her hands using a string and force marched her to her bedroom while at the same time demanding money from her,” said Mr Dlodlo.
They allegedly took a Samsung cellphone and a gold necklace which the complainant was wearing. They ransacked the house and stole a handbag containing $70, R230, US$3.
They also opened a drawer and took a wrist watch and a gold ring.
The court heard that Mabigana and his accomplices panicked and stormed out of the house after they heard the sound of an ambulance siren which was passing by.—@mashnets
Online Reporter