adminThandeka Moyo Court Reporter
A CONVICTED armed robber who is facing three counts of attempted murder yesterday told a Bulawayo magistrate that a detective stole his gold worth $8,000 and later arrested him to conceal the crime. Isaac Muunganirwa, who was involved in a series of armed robberies and carjackings before he was sentenced to an effective 24 years imprisonment, told regional magistrate Mark Dzira that he did not try to shoot police officers who were chasing him near Plumtree border post in 2001.
Muunganirwa, who at one time escaped from police custody, was part of a five-member gang with his four brothers that robbed people at gunpoint before their arrest.
In response to Detective Tyavanai Madungwe’s testimony yesterday, Muunganirwa said Madungwe was only interested in stealing his gold when he chased after him for an alleged robbery.
“This man is lying to this honourable court. He knew I had gold and he stole my 200 grammes of gold that day. I do not own a pistol and for him to claim I fired shots at him is nothing but fabrication of information to cover up,” said Muunganirwa who was assisted by a speech therapist due to his blurred speech.
“This man says I tore my passport and I would like to put it to him that he might have been the one who messed my documents to conceal his quest for my gold,” he said.
Muunganirwa said the pistol magazine that the state wanted to tender as an exhibit to be used against him was not his.
“I do not know this magazine. I am sure this police officer only wants to frame me,” he said.
His trial continues today when more state witnesses are expected to testify.
The state, led by Tinashe Dzipe, alleges that Muunganirwa, who terrorised Bulawayo residents in a series of armed robberies and carjackings with four of his siblings, was on August 25, 2002, spotted by detectives at Nxele area near the Plumtree Border Post where he was hiding.
“The police details asked to search him, but he dropped the satchel he was carrying and fled. As three detectives were chasing him, he fell down and drew a pistol before firing at them. The police managed to ward off the attack by ducking and fired at him. Muunganirwa, however, managed to escape and disappeared into the bush,” said Dzipe.
He said Muunganirwa was later arrested following a dramatic shootout with six members of the Support Unit after running out of ammunition.
The pistol used in the crime was not recovered.
Two of his brothers were acquitted when he was convicted.
One of the brothers, Christopher, was allegedly shot dead during an armed robbery in neighbouring Botswana in 2006 while the other is still at large.
Muunganirwa had been on the run from police for four years when his luck finally ran out and he was arrested while attending a friend’s funeral.
Even then, police had to chase him for more than 15km.
Online Reporter