Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
POLICE in Bulawayo have arrested five suspected armed robbers accused of terrorising residents in Killarney suburb using an arsenal of prohibited weapons, including machetes, knives, and medieval-style axes. The group, described by authorities as notorious, appeared in court yesterday facing multiple robbery charges.
The accused — Mpho Ncube (26), Thabani Zondo (25), Thembalami Sibanda (25), Ashton Ncube (22), and Shelton Ngwenya (24) — all hail from Pumula suburb. They are facing six counts of robbery and one count of malicious damage to property. The case was heard before Bulawayo regional magistrate Sibonginkosi Mnkandla, who remanded the matter to August 15. The gang is being represented by Tinashe Runganga of Tanaka Law Chambers.
Prosecuting, Owen Mugari told the court that the suspects were apprehended after damaging a vehicle belonging to one of the complainants in Killarney.
“On 30 July 2025 and along Coghlan Road, Killarney, Bulawayo, Mpho Ncube, Thabani Zondo, Thembelani Sibanda, Ashton Ncube, and Shelton Ngwenya damaged a Honda Fit vehicle belonging to one of the complainants,” said Mr Mugari.
He said on the same day, the gang attacked another complainant with machetes and a Colombian knife, threatening to kill him before stealing his mobile phone. The court also heard that they threatened yet another victim, stealing his phone and charger.
“From there they went on to threaten another complainant and steal her cellphone, before fleeing,” Mugari said.
The spree continued in the same neighbourhood, where the gang allegedly used the same weapons and tactics to rob another resident of a Huawei Y6 phone, a small black Itel phone, and US$113 in cash. They are also accused of robbing another complainant of US$55.
“The accused persons, while armed with machetes and a Colombian knife, threatened to kill a seventh complainant and stripped him of a blue and yellow hood jacket,” Mugari told the court.
