Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
TWO brothers — one of whom is still on the run — allegedly teamed up with an accomplice to rob a Bulawayo man and his girlfriend of a Toyota Hilux, four mobile phones, cash, and other personal belongings valued at US$25 650.
Khumbulani Vincent Gama (21), of Njube suburb, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Shingirai Mutiri facing a charge of armed robbery. He was remanded in custody to tomorrow.
His brother, Darlington Gama, and a third suspect — whose name was not disclosed — remain at large.
Khumbulani denied the allegations, telling the court that his fugitive brother was responsible for the robbery.
Prosecutor Mr Dominic Moyo told the court that the robbery occurred on March 31 at around 4pm. The complainants, Mr Blessing Sibanda and Ms Trinity Moyo, were seated in their vehicle when they were ambushed by the trio, who were armed with a pistol.
“The accused, acting in common purpose, approached the complainants and produced a pistol while demanding valuables. They struck Mr Sibanda on the back of the head, the right cheek, and above his right eye with the weapon,” said Mr Moyo.
Mr Sibanda complied and handed over money, but the accused allegedly continued the assault, with one of them stabbing him on the buttocks and left breast. He sustained serious injuries as a result of the attack.
The trio then ordered the couple to disembark from the vehicle, bound their hands and feet with cables and jacket strings, and proceeded to rob them.
“They ransacked the complainants’ vehicle and stole four mobile phones — an iPhone 15 Pro Max, Huawei P30, Huawei P40, and Huawei P50 Pro — along with US$1 000 in cash and a pair of shoes,” said Mr Moyo.
The accused allegedly drove off in the complainants’ vehicle, leaving the couple tied up in a bushy area.
The victims later managed to free themselves and reported the incident to the police. Investigations led to the recovery of the stolen vehicle, which is valued at US$24 000.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the remaining two suspects.
