TRIO IMPLICATED IN GABORONE CAR ROBBERY

Zvikomborero Parafini

THREE Zimbabwean men have been implicated by a duo that was arrested in Botswana’s capital Gaborone for armed robbery after a stolen vehicle was found in their possession hidden at their base in Waterfalls.

The trio of Hardlife Makwarimba, Winock Hahlani, and Lenon Homodza appeared at Harare Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with receiving stolen property.

Allegations are that on August 30, a white Toyota Hilux 2019 model was stolen in Tidmalo Ward Serowe, Gaborone, Botswana through armed robbery.

After the robbery, Botswana Police investigated the case and arrested Mmilili Chiche 27, of Tutume Village, and Morapedi Modimopelo 36, aged 36 years of Madisakwana ward.

The two implicated Makwarimba as the person, who had received the stolen vehicle.

Through legal mutual assistance, detectives from CID Homicide arrested Makwarimba in Harare and it was established that he had teamed up with Hahlani and went to Plumtree.

The duo allegedly teamed up with Chiche and Modipopelo and three other Tswana men and drove to Harare.

Makwarimba secured a lodge located in Waterfalls so that the team could stay put waiting for a potential buyer.

The team from Botswana remained at the lodge waiting for the motor vehicle to be bought until they ran out of cash and decided to return to their country Botswana.

It is the State’s case that on September 13, Homodza bought the vehicle for US$7800 at number 13 Marcktoch Road, Waterfalls from Makwarimba and Hahlani.

Homodza med to the recovery of the vehicle at an address in Glen View where he had parked it for safekeeping and it had been affixed with Zimbabwean registration plates.

Checks were made with the Central Vehicle Registry and it was discovered that the plates belonged to an Audi A4.

The trio was released on US$200 bail each and was ordered to report once a week every Friday at CID Homicide.

They were also ordered to reside at their given addresses until the matter was finalized and not to interfere with witnesses.

Zebediah Bofu appeared for the State.