Man in court for gold robbery

Yeukai Karengezeka

Court Correspondent

A MAN from Whitecliff, who allegedly stole 302 grammes of gold valued at US$30 200 from a complainant and fled in the victim’s vehicle, has been arraigned before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on charges of robbery.

Tendai Matura appeared before magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo and was remanded in custody pending a bail hearing today.

Prosecutor Ms Nomsa Kangara alleged that Matura threatened to kill the complainant before stealing the gold.

He fled the scene in a maroon Range Rover, registration number AES8267.

The State presented compelling evidence tying Matura to the crime.

According to the prosecution, there is video footage which captured the maroon Range Rover at the scene on the day of the robbery.

There is also physical evidence of a door handle, which the complainant was left holding after Matura sped away, which was found to match the door panel of the getaway vehicle.

Call logs from a NetOne line registered in Matura’s name showed communication between the accused and the complainant prior to the robbery.

The cellphone used during these calls was recovered and linked to the crime. Morever, Matura led investigators to recover US$8 300 in cash and the maroon Range Rover, valued at US$5 000.

While the total value of the stolen gold was pegged at US$30 200, only part of the proceeds amounting to US$8 300 in cash along with the vehicle, have been recovered so far.