EIGHT suspected armed robbers who pounced on gold dealers in Kwekwe and got away with cash, cellphones, guns and ammunition among other valuables, were remanded in custody to 13 January when they appeared before a Gokwe Regional Magistrate.
Ali Wali Ali (33), Daniel Mubaiwa (26), Tafadzwa Chitsiga (24), Gilbert Madhami (27), Ernest Taruvinga (31), Godknows Bushu (42), Elvis Katino (30) and James Mudhenda (44) were remanded to 13 January 2023 for further remand when they appeared before Mr Lungile Ncube facing one count of armed robbery and another of aggravated unlawful entry and theft.
They were urged to apply for bail at the High Court.
The gang reportedly pounced on Admire Mbango’s homestead in Amaveni where they got away with US$8000, a pistol, ammunition and cellphones.
They also descended on popular miner Mark Burden’s homestead and stole guns and ammunition.
They were arrested barely 24 hours after stealing from Burden.
Prosecuting, Mr Tinashe Wazvaremhaka said, on count one, on October 2 2022, around 2AM, the gang cut a razor wire and gained entry into the yard of Mbango’s homestead.
Once inside, they proceeded to cut burglar bars and gained entry into the house and proceeded to the complainant’s bedroom.
“One of the accused persons went to the complainant who was sleeping alone and pointed a pistol at him while others were holding machetes and axes. They dragged him from the bed, tied the complainant’s hands using electric cables and ransacked the house looking for cash and other valuables,” the court heard.
The gang took a star pistol which was under the pillow and continued assaulting the complainant demanding cash.
Fearing for his life, Mbango handed them the keys to his safe and they took US$8 100.
They also took 28 live rounds of ammunition as well as a pellet gun which was in the bedroom and mobile phones.
The gunmen then demanded car keys and went outside and tried to start the vehicles but failed.
While they were struggling to start the vehicles, Mbango managed to untie himself and sought assistance from neighbours.
“Complainant and neighbours including his cousin Malvin Mlambo, returned and found the accused persons still struggling to start the cars and they began to throw stones at the accused persons,” said Wazvaremhaka.
One of the accused persons fired a shot into the air and neighbours fled leading to the accused persons taking advantage of the commotion and made good their escape on foot.
On the second count, on 30 December 2022 around 250AM, the gang pounced on Plot 24 Amaveni belonging to Burden, a popular gold miner.
“They forced open the gate and proceeded to the main gate and forcibly gained entry. Once inside they forced open the main door and disconnected the CCTV and alarm systems,” said Wazvaremhaka.
They proceeded to the main bedroom and forced open the door and the gun cabinet which was mounted on the wall.
They took grand power Stribog rifles CANK19, one a star pistol, two LR, FN pistols and jewellery including gold chains, necklaces and rings.
They also took 12 mobile phones, an iPad and a Toyota V8 car key.
The accused persons took to their heels when a worker woke up and switched-on the lights at the compound.
They were arrested the next day following police investigations leading to the recovery of ammunition and guns among other valuables. – The Chronicle
