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Gold heist suspect in court
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Nyasha Rusike, 38, appeared before Harare Magistrate Mrs. Marehwanazvo Gofa on charges of robbery after allegedly stealing gold valued at US$5,000 and other valuables from a gold miner. Rusike, who faces serious accusations related to the gold heist, was advised to apply for bail at the High Court and is expected to return to court on December 3.
The victim, Mr. Elias Manenji, a miner based in Mberengwa, reportedly approached Rusike on October 28 seeking potential gold buyers. Rusike claimed he could facilitate the sale, suggesting connections in Harare. Mr. Manenji, along with his associate Mr. Hillary Batisai, traveled from Masvingo to meet Rusike, who was accompanied by a man identified as George. The pair handed over 33 grams of gold, with an agreed price of US$120 per gram. However, the transaction stalled when Rusike and George claimed the buyer required a minimum of 100 grams to proceed. Mr. Manenji and his friend then returned to Masvingo to secure additional gold.
On November 4, Mr. Manenji and Mr. Batisai returned to Harare with an additional 63 grams. The following day, they met Rusike at Hellensview Shopping Centre, where they planned to complete the sale. After some delays, they proceeded to a secluded area where they met with George's driver.
There, Mr. Batisai handed over the gold to Rusike, who then passed it to the driver. Shortly after, five men surrounded the vehicle, with one drawing a pistol and demanding the miners' valuables. The group robbed Mr. Manenji and Mr. Batisai of their remaining cash, cellphones, and a gold scale, totaling US$5,649 in losses, before abandoning them at the scene. To date, no stolen items have been recovered.
The victim, Mr. Elias Manenji, a miner based in Mberengwa, reportedly approached Rusike on October 28 seeking potential gold buyers. Rusike claimed he could facilitate the sale, suggesting connections in Harare. Mr. Manenji, along with his associate Mr. Hillary Batisai, traveled from Masvingo to meet Rusike, who was accompanied by a man identified as George. The pair handed over 33 grams of gold, with an agreed price of US$120 per gram. However, the transaction stalled when Rusike and George claimed the buyer required a minimum of 100 grams to proceed. Mr. Manenji and his friend then returned to Masvingo to secure additional gold.
On November 4, Mr. Manenji and Mr. Batisai returned to Harare with an additional 63 grams. The following day, they met Rusike at Hellensview Shopping Centre, where they planned to complete the sale. After some delays, they proceeded to a secluded area where they met with George's driver.
There, Mr. Batisai handed over the gold to Rusike, who then passed it to the driver. Shortly after, five men surrounded the vehicle, with one drawing a pistol and demanding the miners' valuables. The group robbed Mr. Manenji and Mr. Batisai of their remaining cash, cellphones, and a gold scale, totaling US$5,649 in losses, before abandoning them at the scene. To date, no stolen items have been recovered.
Source - The Herald
