Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
FIVE machete gang members accused of terrorising Bulawayo’s eastern suburbs have walked free after the court ruled there was not enough evidence to convict them.
Mpho Ncube, Thabani Zondo, Thembalani Sibanda, Ashoton Ncube, and Shelton Ngwenya faced six charges, including armed robbery and malicious damage to property, before Bulawayo regional magistrate Archie Wochiwunga. They were represented by Tinashe Runganga of Tanaka Law Chambers.
In his ruling, magistrate Wochiwunga highlighted glaring inconsistencies in the witnesses’ testimonies. “Witnesses failed to prove that there was robbery. One claimed they were attacked while fixing a punctured tyre around 4AM, but only reported it later at 4PM. Another said they were robbed near Mahatshula while coming from Killarney. With these conflicting versions, which one should the court believe? They are therefore found not guilty and acquitted,” the magistrate said.
The court heard how the accused allegedly targeted multiple victims in July. Zondo and Sibanda were said to have confronted Irvine Moyo in Parklands, smashing his car windows after a struggle. Later, they were accused of robbing Sifundo Nkomazana, Lucky Dube, and Sehluko Ndlovu of cellphones and other valuables, while threatening them with machetes.
They also allegedly attacked Prince Dube and Tarisai Vutavunashe in their homes, taking cash and valuables, and pounced on Nduna Dliwayo at 5AM, allegedly forcing him to surrender his jacket.
Despite these dramatic claims, the magistrate found the evidence inconsistent and ruled in favour of the five men, leaving the victims stunned and the community questioning how such serious allegations could fail in court.
They get acquitted not because they are not guilty. These people buy magistrates and prosecutors. There is so much corruption in the justice system, one won’t believe.