Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Zimpapers Writer
A NOTORIOUS machete gang that allegedly smashed a Honda Fit windscreen and terrorised seven people in Bulawayo, has been dragged to court.
Mpho Ncube, Thabani Zondo, Thembelani Sibanda, Ashton Ncube and Shelton Ngwenya, appeared before regional magistrate Mark Dzira on Tuesday facing a cocktail of charges that include malicious damage to property and six counts of armed robbery.
The gang, which prosecutors say moved around armed to the teeth with machetes, a Colombian knife and stones, left a trail of destruction when they pounced on unsuspecting victims.
In court, their lawyer Tinashe Runganga of Tanaka Law Chambers tried to paint them as harmless citizens. He insisted they were not flight risks as they had cooperated with police during investigations and even supplied their home addresses.
“Ifgranted bail, they will remain at the given addresses,” Runganga argued, pleading with the court to give the accused their temporary freedom.
But the State, represented by Siphiwe Mhlanga, wasn’t buying any of it. She told the court the suspects were dangerous and could not be trusted to walk free while awaiting trial.
“These accused persons used dangerous weapons to destroy property and rob innocent people. They committed the crimes in aggravating circumstances,” Mhlanga said.
She added that the law takes a dim view of such violence, with malicious damage to property attracting up to 10 years in jail and armed robbery carrying a possible 20-year stretch behind bars.
“Given the seriousness of the charges, the likelihood of them absconding is very high,” Mhlanga warned.
The five were remanded in custody until September 5 when their bail ruling will be delivered.
For now, the machete crew will be cooling their heels behind bars as the city watches closely to see if the court will cut them any slack — or keep them locked away where many believe they belong.
…more to follow
Bongani Ndlovu