Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Court Writer
TWO members of a gang that terrorised villagers in the Lukona area of Bubi District appeared in court on Thursday facing charges of housebreaking, machete attack, indecent assault, and robbery.
Presley Phiri and Elias Mpofu, both from Inyathi in Matabeleland North Province, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Ms Sibonginkosi Mkandla, charged with two counts of robbery, one count of aggravated indecent assault, and assault.
They pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Prosecutor Ms Tsungirai Charmaine Mutapi told the court that on August 31 this year at around 8PM, Phiri and Mpofu, together with two accomplices only identified as Thabo and Devine, who are still on the run, armed themselves with machetes, axes, and an iron bar before heading to Lukona township.
Upon arrival, they allegedly broke down the complainant’s bedroom hut door and entered the room where she was sleeping alone.
“They beat her and searched the room demanding money. At first, the complainant told the four men that she had none. They did not give up and reportedly attacked her with a machete all over the body,” said the prosecutor.
Ms Mutapi said the accused then dragged the complainant outside and continued assaulting her.
“As they were dragging her towards the shops where they assumed there was money, one of the robbers who had remained in the complainant’s room called out, saying they must bring her back because he sensed there was money in the house,” she said.
The gang allegedly dragged her back and ordered her to retrieve the hidden cash. She handed over US$600.
“They pushed her onto the bed, removed her jeans and underwear, and took turns inserting their fingers into her private parts. They tied her hands and legs with wire before locking her inside the house,” said Ms Mutapi.
Afterwards, the accused went to another nearby homestead where they found Ms Bongani Ndlovu (51) sitting in the kitchen with her children after supper and demanded cash.
“They called her outside and when she screamed, they entered the room and demanded money. The woman bolted out, leaving her two children. The accused ransacked the room but found nothing. They took two cellphones and fled,” said Ms Mutapi.
The complainants reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of Phiri and Mpofu. Police are still hunting for Devine and Thabo.
During cross-examination, the first complainant, whose identity cannot be disclosed, testified:
“They shone a torch on me and I woke up. I saw Presley but could not identify the others. I did not see Elias at my homestead, but I had seen him earlier at the shops drinking beer,” she said.
In response, Elias said: “Since you confirm you did not see me at the crime scene, that proves I did not commit the crime.”
Presley asked how she identified him in the dark.
The complainant replied: “You shone a torch on my face and I saw your face.”
Next on the witness stand was Ms Ndlovu, who told the court: “I don’t know the two accused persons in the dock and I did not recognise the men who terrorised me and took my two cellphones.”
