Nine, including Zimbabwe National Army members, face court for armed robbery

TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA

HARARE – Nine individuals, including three active and one retired member of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), were arrested yesterday in Harare on suspicion of armed robbery involving USD$142,000.

Image: The Herald

They appeared before Tendai Manuwere at the Harare Magistrates' Court, facing five counts of the crime.

The state prosecutor, Anesu Chirenje, alleges that the group, which includes Innocent Chawaguta (37), Tafadzwa Chirinda Charute (36), Owen Mbayi (37), Promise Mussa (36), Tapiwa Chigwaze (39), Winston Matizanadzo (46), Kamuriwo Mudziwaona (39), Farai Chauke (38), and Simbarashe Vhazhure (33), robbed J and P Security Offices in Eastlea on May 16, 2022. 

It is the state's case that the nine allegedly stole cash totaling USD$142,995, with USD$4,900 subsequently recovered.

Further allegations include a robbery in Ruwa on February 25, 2024, where USD$4,952 was stolen and USD$1,500 recovered. 

On March 11, 2024, they allegedly robbed a security guard at a service station, stealing USD$600 and recovering USD400. Another service station was reportedly robbed on March 27, 2024, with USD$1,200 stolen from the safe.

The accused individuals are also alleged to have robbed a house on April 13, 2024, stealing property valued at USD$2,350, including an iPad with a tracker. The tracker led to the arrest of the first accused individual, who implicated the rest of the group.

The case has been adjourned until May 2, 2024 by Harare magistrate Tendai Manuwere, when the accused will apply for bail at the High Court.

Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, addressing the media yesterday, linked the robbers to cases in Harare, Murehwa, and Shamva. 

“The suspects are clearing five armed robberies, initially, but I want to assure Zimbabweans that as investigations continue all cases in which these suspects were involved are going to be reviewed,” he said. 

Nyathi emphasized that any members of the security forces involved in criminal activities will face the full might of the law.