3 armed robbers in court

Three men accused of carrying out armed robberies in Harare appeared before the Harare Regional Magistrate, Mrs. Marehwanazvo Gofa, on charges of stealing cash and valuables from multiple victims. Tafadzwa Chakuteta (38), Willye Chirau (32), and Sarezi Shonhiwa (57) were remanded in custody until December 6, with instructions to seek bail from the High Court.

The alleged crime spree began on October 26 when the trio, armed with machetes, knives, and pistols, approached a residence in Harare. Disguised with balaclavas and posing as police officers investigating a stolen laptop, they reportedly confronted the property's gardener, handcuffing him before forcing their way into the main house. Once inside, they informed the residents that the gardener had been "arrested" for theft, tricking the couple into opening their door.

The suspects allegedly tied the couple's hands and legs with shoelaces and, under threats of violence, demanded cash and valuables. They then proceeded to ransack the house, taking $160 from a handbag, $6,000 from a wallet, and several electronic devices. In the main bedroom, the robbers broke into a safe, making off with a 9mm Walther pistol, 14 rounds of ammunition, and two empty magazines. The trio loaded their haul into the victims' Toyota Rav 4 and fled, later abandoning the vehicle along with items like a gas tank, mealie meal, and beef in the Mazowe area.

On November 3, the group struck again at a home in Goromonzi, where the residents were preparing dinner. Wearing balaclavas and woolen hats, they allegedly threatened the household with pistols and machetes, demanding cash and valuables. The suspects reportedly stole an iPhone 15 Pro Max, an Asus X515 laptop, various clothes, $1,000 in cash, two iPhone 13 Pro Maxes, a wallet containing $2,000, and jewelry.

The court proceedings have captured public attention, with officials underscoring the severity of the charges as the suspects face trial for their alleged violent crimes across Harare and Goromonzi.