Suspected robber, who masqueraded as a cop, denied bail

Paidamoyo Bore

A SUSPECTED robber, accused of robbing a motorist of his vehicle while masquerading as a cop, has been denied bail by Harare High Court judge, Justice Esther Muremba.

The judge said the suspect, Arnold Kawara’s defence was unbelievable and showed that he was part of the crime.

The State argued that Kawara was strongly linked to the offence.

It said witnesses were willing to testify against him.

Kawara denied the allegations and claimed to be an innocent passenger who was mistakenly identified as a robber.

He said he boarded the vehicle, which he thought was a pirate taxi, and was not aware that the car was stolen.

Kawara is being accused of teaming up with his accomplices, who are on the run, to rob the complainant of his vehicle on May 3, 2021.

“No robber will have time to offer transport to a bystander while they are being chased.

“Also, the offence is quite rampant and robbers are a danger to society hence granting the accused bail will not be in the interest of justice,” said Justice Muremba.

The State said Kawara was strongly linked to the offence as he was apprehended after being involved in an accident while fleeing from the car owner.

It said Kawara might continue to victimise the public using the same method of impersonating a police officer.