Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
TWO additional suspects have been arrested in connection with the armed robbery at businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws’ residence in Marondera, bringing the total number of suspects picked up to 20.
Taurai Mushawemhuka and Felix Karimba appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Marewanazvo Gofa, who remanded them in custody and advised them to seek bail at the High Court.
The robbery took place on March 18 at around 1am at Alpha and Omega Farm. The suspects, armed with three rifles, two pistols, bolt cutters, machetes and iron bars, allegedly executed a well-planned assault.
Upon arrival, they confronted Mr Petros Mabunhu, a security guard, before assaulting him with iron bars and demanding to know the whereabouts of other guards on duty.
They tied his hands and legs with cable ties and forced him into the yard, where they confronted another guard, Mutasa Rusike, disarming him of his CBC shotgun.
The gang continued their assault by attacking Mr Medic Zhakata, another security guard, hitting him multiple times before tying him up as well.
While two robbers guarded the injured security personnel, the rest of the gang force-marched one guard to the main house.
Once inside, they forced open the kitchen door and brought the guard to Mr Gerald Muteke’s bedroom, demanding cash.
Fearing for his life, Mr Muteke surrendered US$18 000, a Sarsilmaz pistol loaded with eight rounds, and two Samsung phones.
They then demanded to be shown the safe and passed through Ms Vimbai Muteke’s room, where she surrendered US$1 100, a safe key, and a Samsung Galaxy A35.
After forcing Ms Muteke to the main bedroom, they compelled her to open the safe, taking an additional US$55 000.
During the robbery, a neighbour named Mr Elphas Maruta, armed with a 303 rifle, heard the commotion and fired two warning shots towards the robbers, who returned fire before fleeing with the stolen property.
The total value of the stolen items is estimated at US$85 558, though cash and property valued at US$6 300 were later recovered.
Mushawemhuka and Karimba are also linked to another robbery that occurred on February 25 at Mr Cossam Siminya’s home in Zengeza 4, Chitungwiza.
The couple was attacked while sleeping, and the robbers stole cash and valuables, including a 55-inch TV set, before fleeing the scene.
Mr Rufaro Chonzi appeared for the State.
