Soldiers, cop up for armed robbery

A NOTORIOUS seven-man gang, comprising two soldiers and a police officer, appeared before Hwange magistrate, Ms Rumbidzai Kabasa facing 11 counts of armed robbery.

The accused, who allegedly terrorised businesses in Hwange, include Proud Gumbo (30), a soldier with the Zimbabwe National Army stationed at the 1.2 Infantry Battalion in Hwange, Darren Tshuma (25), Thamsanqa Moyo (33), a police officer at ZRP Hwange Traffic, Michael Sibanda (26), Majority Ndlovu (26), John Jiringani (32) and Brighton Sitimali Mwanza (32), another soldier at the same battalion.

The group is accused of robbing fuel stations, pharmacies, banks and other businesses, using Gumbo’s service pistol in their operations.

The magistrate remanded the accused in custody until September 13, pending further proceedings.

Presenting the State case, the prosecutor, Ms Jamesina Makanza detailed how the gang was allegedly involved in the series of aggravated armed robberies between November 2022 and last Monday.

She said the gang’s crime spree allegedly began in November 2022 and was interrupted last Monday when they attempted to rob BancABC in Kamativi.

Their plan was thwarted by a vigilant security guard and quick-acting police detectives. During the botched robbery, one of their accomplices, Mxolisi Sibanda, managed to escape, prompting a police manhunt.

The gang’s crime trail includes an incident on June 30, last year, when they stormed Priceline Pharmacy. Gumbo allegedly brandished a pistol, forcing the pharmacist, Mr Sam Siment, to lie down while they stole $160 and a cellphone.

In another incident on January 8, last year at around 2am, they raided Total Service Station in Hwange. They overpowered a security guard and stabbed a fuel attendant, stealing $200.

Other brazen robberies include an attack on Mac Motors Garage on May 5, where they fired shots and stole $1 100 in cash, as well as several cellphones.

On June 2, the gang targeted Mabhiza Compound Bar, where they looted alcohol and cash after terrorising patrons. On July 20, they robbed a Pepsi delivery vehicle of $5 000 in Songwa and on August 2, they attempted to rob a Lobels Distributors truck, firing shots at the fleeing vehicle.

Two days later the accused proceeded to Zambezi Fish Farm in Msuna. They left their vehicle at Moyo’s homestead in Makwa and finished the journey on foot to the scene where they intended to rob Mr Macdonald Daniel.

They fled from the scene after alert occupants raised the alarm during which Gumbo fired a shot to avoid being followed.

Their criminal activities culminated in an attempt to rob BancABC in Kamativi on August 26. Gumbo and Sibanda entered the bank armed, but their efforts were thwarted by an alarm, leading to their eventual capture after a police ambush.

Gumbo and Sibanda entered the banking hall while their accomplices remained outside. Gumbo had pulled out a pistol and threatened to shoot the security guard, Mr Jamson Banda.

Gumbo confessed to robbing the ZB Bank Victoria Falls branch on November 31, 2022 and stealing US$15 000.

Gumbo and Moyo are represented by Ms Linda Mthombeni of Dube Nkala and Company, while Ms Rachel Mudenda of Muvhiringi and Associates represents Tshuma, Sibanda, Jiringani and Mwanza. — @ncubeleon