Danisa Masuku
TWO suspected armed robbers cut dejected figures in the dock as they appeared in court following a deadly shootout with police that left their alleged accomplice dead.
Brothers Austin Nkomazana (23) and Nkosikhona Ndlovu (23) appeared before Bulawayo Regional
Magistrate Ms Patience Madondo on Wednesday facing five counts of armed robbery.
The two share a mother but have different fathers.
Their alleged accomplice and uncle, Average Ndlovu (23), popularly known as SaAaron, was shot dead during a fierce gun battle with police in the early hours of Tuesday.
The two accused were not asked to plead and were remanded in custody until 6 November. They were advised of their right to apply for bail at the Bulawayo High Court and to engage a lawyer at their own expense.
Prosecutor Mr Arnold Mudekunye told the court that the trio allegedly turned parts of Umguza into a hunting ground during a two-day robbery spree on 18 and 19 October 2026.
Armed with machetes, axes and knives, the suspects allegedly terrorised their victims, leaving a trail of fear and stolen property.
In one chilling raid, the gang allegedly stormed a house in the dead of night while a woman was asleep with her three children.
The helpless family was allegedly held hostage at knifepoint as the robbers made off with US$2,000 in cash and valuables worth US$2,460.
In another raid on 18 October, the trio allegedly broke into a man’s house, stole US$300 and escaped in his Honda Fit.
Their getaway vehicle was later involved in a road traffic accident and abandoned, bringing their escape to an abrupt end.
The court heard that the suspects’ alleged crime spree ended in a violent confrontation with police in Norwood in the early hours of Tuesday.
Officers reportedly fired warning shots and ordered the suspects to surrender, but the trio allegedly continued advancing while armed, prompting a shootout.
Average was shot in the chest and rushed to United Bulawayo Hospitals, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
His two alleged accomplices were overpowered and arrested, bringing them before the courts to answer to the robbery charges.
