Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, [email protected]
THREE soldiers who allegedly unleashed a reign of terror in Fort Rixon, Matabeleland South Province, have appeared in court facing five counts of robbery.
Hamlet Mlotshwa (21), Iphithule Mlotshwa (24) and Hawulezwe Mlotshwa (25) stood before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube on Thursday, clad in civilian attire and pleaded not guilty.
Mr Dominic Moyo of Tashaya Law Chambers represents them and was granted bail. They each paid US$100 and were ordered to report to the police station every second Friday. They were sternly warned not to interfere with State witnesses and instructed to reside at the addresses they supplied to the court until the matter is finalised. The matter was postponed to May 21.
Prosecuting, Mr Sehliselo Khumalo said on December 24, 2025 at midnight, the accused, allegedly dressed in full Zimbabwe National Army camouflage and stormed Claremont Mine Compound.
“Acting in common purpose, they broke into a bedroom hut. One carried handcuffs and a torch, another wielded an electric shocker, and they forced themselves into the room. They stole a cellphone and US$400,” said Mr Khumalo.
Hours later, at 3 AM, the accused allegedly descended on another home at the same compound.
“Armed with an axe, shocker, handcuffs and a knife, they kicked open the door of Trust Ndlovu, an artisanal miner. They poured water on him, demanding cash. They ransacked the room but did not get any money and left with his SQ 1000 phone,” Mr Khumalo told the court.
The robbery spree continued. The court heard that on December 25, shortly after 2 AM, Bukhosi Mkandla (28) was roused from his sleep when the trio forced open his bedroom door. They demanded money at knifepoint and walked away with US$350. On the same day, at around 3 AM, the gang attacked a villager named Atlia Nyathi (27) at Claremont Business Centre.
“They struck him on the head, kicked repeatedly, and robbed him of US$1 200. Finally, on December 25 at midnight, the trio assaulted Press Lupahla (22) with an axe handle as they demanded money. They failed to get any and left him battered,” Mr Khumalo told the court.
Police reports were filed in each case, and the complainants positively identified the accused.
This case comes hard on the heels of another matter involving two soldiers — Malvern Sibanda (19) and Bornwell Sibanda (32) — who appeared last month on 22 April before Plumtree Resident Magistrate Mr Busani Sibanda for allegedly robbing community members of assorted goods and alcohol valued at R21 585. They were remanded in custody until May 13.
