Online Reporter
Lesley Chikudo, [email protected]
FOLLOWING a gunfire exchange with Bulawayo police detectives on Harrow Street in Bulawayo’s suburb of Sauerstown, three of the five suspected armed robbers were arraigned in court Monday on three counts of armed robbery; the other two died at United Bulawayo Hospitals due to gunshot wounds sustained in the confrontation.
The incident occurred early last month and involved Fortune Nyathi (40), Bigboy Winston (32), Aleck Ndlovu (27), Sipho Ncube (now deceased), and Dumisani Ndlovu (now deceased), all residents of Cowdray Park.
The three surviving suspects appeared before Western Commonage Regional Magistrate Mrs Sibongile Marondedze, who remanded them in custody until April 28 for trial.
Prosecuting, Mr Milton Moyo told the court that the gang had planned to rob Mr Respect Nkomo of his cash and property at his tuck shop, located at his residence in Cowdray Park. The stolen property was valued at US$1 185 and R1 200, of which only US$77 was recovered.
“Aleck Ndlovu was familiar with the complainant and his residence. He directed the other four accused to the scene but avoided active participation, as he was well known in the area due to frequent visits to buy groceries. He instead stayed near the Caravan shops to monitor the situation,” said Mr Moyo.
The court heard that upon arrival at the complainant’s residence, the accused forcibly entered the house. One of them, armed with a pistol, fired a shot into the air at the back door to intimidate the complainant. He then pointed the firearm at the complainant and threatened to shoot, while another demanded cash and valuables.
For the second count, the accused proceeded to Suta Suta Service Station sometime in April 2024. Upon arrival, the three entered through the main gate while the two now-deceased suspects remained outside conducting surveillance.
“One of the accused was carrying an empty five-liter plastic container and inquired if diesel was available. He was informed only petrol was in stock. Another accused then presented R100, indicating they now wanted petrol. Before they could be served, one of them pulled out a pistol and fired a shot into the air to frighten the complainant and his colleagues, ordering them to lie down,” said Mr Moyo.
The accused then force-marched the complainant and other fuel attendants into Blissful Grocery Shop, where they searched everyone and took US$593 from the complainant’s trouser pocket along with a Villaon V20 mobile phone.
Regarding the third count, the court heard that following the robbery at the service station, the complainant — who was inside the grocery shop — heard another gunshot outside. She peered out and saw the accused threatening her colleagues at the fuel pumps. As she tried to flee, one of the suspects intercepted and force-marched her back inside, where she was searched, and her Villaon mobile phone was taken.
“The accused also took a satchel containing books and US$30. They then opened the till drawer and stole an additional US$60,” said Mr Moyo.
The case came to light after the victims reported the incident to the police. Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of one of the stolen mobile phones, which had been successfully tracked through the service provider. This recovery led to the arrest of Winston, who implicated the other four suspects, resulting in the arrests of Nyathi and Ndlovu.
Further follow-up investigations led to the location of Ncube and Dumisani Ndlovu. A shoot-out ensued during which both were shot and later died upon admission to hospital.
