Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, [email protected]
A 25 year old Bulawayo man has appeared in court for allegedly masterminding a robbery in which his two accomplices, who are still on the run, stole nearly US$20 000 and more than R140 000 belonging to their employer.
Given Shoko of Tshabalala suburb appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube, facing robbery charges.
He was remanded out of custody to March 24 for trial and released on US$200 bail.
Prosecuting, Mr Tafara Dzimbanhete told the court that on March 3, at about 9.50PM, the complainant, Lizwe Dube (47), arrived in Bulawayo from Gwanda, carrying his employer’s cash amounting to US$19 672 and R142 100.
Upon arriving at the company premises in Kelvin Industrial Area, Dube allegedly phoned Shoko and asked him to bring a company vehicle.
The court heard that Shoko collected the complainant and drove the vehicle. He then told the complainant that he would drop off at his usual bus stop before leaving the car to him.
However, the accused allegedly drove past the usual stop and proceeded to Emalahleni Bus Stop along Masiyephambili Drive in Tshabalala.
“Shoko stopped the vehicle, switched off the engine and got out, walking into a nearby maize field,” said the prosecutor.
The court heard that a few minutes later, Shoko returned and stood next to the vehicle before two alleged accomplices emerged and confronted the complainant.
The pair allegedly struck Shoko with a knobkerrie on the buttocks before seizing a satchel containing cash from the vehicle and fleeing the scene.
Shoko then pretended to chase after the suspects.
A police report was made, leading to investigations and Shoko’s arrest. Investigations allegedly revealed that Shoko had conspired with Anesu Magombedze and Alfred Magombedze, who are still at large, to rob the complainant of the money belonging to Kwazulu Logistics. The stolen money has not been recovered.
