admin“Makiwa was at Tebekwe Mine where the complainant, Mr Shuga, was milling his gold ore. The other five accused were waiting in ambush. Mr Shuga, completed milling his gold ore and on leaving the mill, Makiwa phoned Florence Chigonera, one of the accused persons, who then alerted the other accused persons.
“The complainant was driving a Nissan Caravan omnibus and he was in the company of his workmate, Mr Peter Mlambo. While on the way a white Honda sedan was in front of them. Suddenly the Honda made a U-turn
blocking the way for Mr Shuga’s car. The complainant was forced to stop his car,” said Insp Chademana.
He said the Nissan Caravan sideswiped with the Honda resulting in the Honda car getting damaged while the complainant’s veered off the road.
The Midlands police spokesperson said just when the Nissan Caravan ominibus stopped, four suspects emerged from the bush and joined the driver of the Honda.
“One of the four suspects was holding a pistol while the other three had a knife each. The driver of the Honda remained seated in the car while the suspect who was wielding the pistol pointed it at the complainant’s head. He then sprayed Mr Shuga’s face with an unknown liquid. The suspects then force-marched Mr Mlambo away from the scene.
“They then dragged Mr Shuga out of the omnibus and took 150g of gold amalgam, $500 cash and a Nokia cell phone,” he said.
Insp Chademana said one of the suspects struck the complainant once on the left cheek with the butt of the pistol, resulting in the complainant sustaining a swollen left cheek.
“The Honda drove away from the scene and the matter was reported to the police who attended the scene.
“Property with a combined value of $6 500 was stolen. Police have so far arrested four suspects who appeared in court yesterday. Two of the suspects, Blessing Mutore of Budiriro in Harare and Ernest Masendeke of
Mbizo, Kwekwe, are still at large. We are appealing to members of the public who may have information that could lead to the arrest of the two to contact the nearest police station.
“They may also make use of our suggestion boxes,” he said.
The Midlands police spokesperson said the gang later used the Honda to take the gold to Kwekwe where they later sold it for $6 000.
Meanwhile, four of the six suspects, Makiwa (37) of 375 ZBS, Shurugwi, Florence Chigonera (36) of 5 326/3 Dangamvura, Mutare, Montle Mleya (24) of 1084, Dulibadzimu, Beitbridge and Tapiwa Masawi (22) of
105 Impala Drive Beitbridge, were yesterday brought before Gweru Magistrate, Ms Florence Nago to answer to charges of armed robbery.
They were denied bail and remanded to 2 February for trial.
Mr Michael Mhene appeared for the State.
Online Reporter