Chivi machete gang in court for armed robbery

TRYMORE TAGWIREI/KUDZAI MUPASI

MIRROR REPORTERS

MASVINGO – A suspected gang of machete wielding robbers who brutally assaulted their targets at various business centres in Chivi was arrested and appeared before Masvingo Regional Magistrate Bishard Chineka this week.

They faced numerous counts of robbery and theft after they took away cash and goods from shops.

Martin Mbata Shumba (20), Tatenda Shumba (20), Nyasha Madhugu Simango (24) and Ezra Zinyenge (20) of Chief Mazvihwa in Zvishavane are the suspects who appeared in court.

The four accused persons pleaded guilty to the charges. Prosecutor Ruvimbo Makoni told the court that on February 21, 2022 the accused were in the company of John Chikwati and Nobert Mapfumo who are still at large.

They armed themselves with machetes, sjamboks and wooden logs and went to Chitanga General Dealer at Masinire Business Centre in Chivi where they forced the door open and gained entry into the shop where Previledge Mpofu was sleeping.

They allegedly assaulted Mpofu with machete sides several times and took away US$350 and ZAR R500 as well as goods which were valued at ZW$48 000.

On March 1, 2022 the four went to Mapuvire tuck-shop in Chivi and forced the door to open. They found Bruce Chikohora sleeping and assaulted him with logs and took away USD$60. Chikohora was hospitalised after he sustained serious injuries.

They also raided Rubaya Store at Davira Business Centre and produced machetes and logs to induce Musara Gono to relinquish his property. They assaulted Gono and took away USD$180 and ZW$96000.

They were arrested on March 3, 2022 in Mhototi area in Zvishavane.

Magistrate Chineka remanded the quartet to September 6, 2022.https://chipingetimes.co.zw