Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Online Reporter
The Bulawayo High Court has denied bail to five machete gang members accused of carrying out a series of armed robberies and causing property damage in Bulawayo’s eastern suburbs.
Mpho Ncube, Thabani Zondo, Thembalani Sibanda, Ashoton Ncube and Shelton Ngwenya appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mark Dzira for a bail hearing today, facing six charges, including armed robbery and malicious damage to property.
All five are represented by Tinashe Runganga of Tanaka Law Chambers.
The court heard that the accused used dangerous weapons, primarily machetes, to execute their attacks in Killarney and Parklands suburbs.
Magistrate Dzira noted that these weapons are banned and possession is a criminal offense. With the accused facing charges that carry potential sentences of up to 20 years for armed robbery and 10 years for malicious damage, the magistrate ruled that they pose a flight risk.
Further raising concerns, the court highlighted that the suspects provided detectives with multiple, sometimes non-existent, addresses, increasing the likelihood of absconding. The magistrate also emphasised the aggravating circumstances under which the crimes were committed.
The accused have been remanded in custody until 22 September, when their trial is scheduled to commence.
According to allegations, on 29 July, the group embarked on a robbing spree in Killarney suburb, where they smashed Zibusiso Zondo’s Honda Fit car before targeting various homes in Killarney and Parklands to steal property.
The incidents were reported to police, and diligent investigations by homicide detectives led to the arrest of the gang and their subsequent court appearance.
