adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A SOLDIER and his accomplice who allegedly robbed miners of R14,000 have been denied bail after recent investigations showed that the uniformed officer was absent without official leave.Douglas Mkombwe, 27, Dudman Mleya, 20, and a third person who is still at large impersonated police officers and robbed two miners in Mphoengs area, Mangwe of property worth 14,000 rand.
Modercai Donga of Lazarus and Sariff Legal Practitioners had applied for bail which was immediately opposed by the State. He submitted that his clients were not a flight risk and were willing to abide by any given bail conditions.
However, the State led by Stanley Chinyanganya argued that recent investigations had shown that Mkombwe had not reported for duty for the past month and authorities were pursuing him.
He also said the pair was found in possession of a police identity card which they used to rob miners of their money and property.
Plumtree Magistrate Livard Philemon dismissed the bail application saying the accused persons could not be taken for their word as they had a record of absconding.
They were remanded in custody to December 18. Mkombwe allegedly connived with Mleya both of Binga area and a third accused person and tricked Dumisani Ncube, 29 and Good Hope Sala, 26, into giving up their possessions.
The State alleges that on November 28 the trio moved around mines in Mphoengs area and pretended to be conducting an operation on illegal mining.
“On November 28 around 4pm the trio arrived at Bush Stick Stamp Mill, Simelemela area Mphoengs where they met the first complainant.
“They told him that they were police officers from Bulawayo conducting an operation. They searched Ncube and took 4,000 rand and told him that it was unlawful to carry such a large amount of money while in a mining area,” said Chinyanganya
They met Sala around 6pm on the same day at Old Bush Stick Stamp Mill in Makhubu area, Mphoengs. The accused persons ordered him to empty his pockets and show them all his valuables.
They robbed him of 9,000 rand and $90 and a cell phone and before taking his national identity card. A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of Mkombwe and Mleya who were still in the area while police are still looking for the third accused person who is still at large.
Online Reporter