adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A SOLDIER stationed in Hwange allegedly pounced on two miners operating in the Mphoengs area of Mangwe District and robbed them of cash and property worth 14,000 rand after impersonating a police officer. Plumtree magistrate Gideon Ruvetsa yesterday heard how Douglas Mkombwe, 27, connived with Dudman Mleya, 20, of Binga and a third man still at large and tricked Dumisani Ncube, 29 and Good Hope Sala, 26, into giving up their possessions.
The trio approached the complainants in two separate incidents and pretended to be police officers who were conducting an illegal gold panning operation in the area and demanded money from them.
Prosecuting, Paul Mpofu narrated how on 28 November the trio moved around mines in Mphoengs area and pretended to be on an operation against illegal gold panning.
“On 28 November 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 from him 4,000 rand. They told him that it was unlawful to carry such a large amount of money while in a mining area,” said Mpofu.
Added Mpofu: “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, $90 and a cellphone and they also took 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.
Meanwhile, police are looking for a third accused person who is still at large.
The two pleaded not guilty to the charges laid against them. Ruvetsa remanded Mkombwe and Mleya in custody to tomorrow for trial.
Modercai Donga of Lazarus and Sariff Legal Practitioners is representing Mkombwe in this case. He is expected to apply for bail tomorrow.
Online Reporter