News / National
Zimbabwe police set dogs on armed robber
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Three suspected armed robbers have accused police of brutality and wrongful arrest during their court appearance in Bulawayo. The suspects, Silence Kwangwa (30), Julius Mugwagwa (28), and Felius Mvula (54), face charges of robbery following an alleged heist at Evergold Milling Company on September 23, 2023, where goods, cash, and cellphones worth over US$10,000 and 7,000 rupees were stolen. Only US$200 and 2,000 rupees were reportedly recovered.
The trio appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Matthew Mutiro and pleaded not guilty to the charges. They were remanded in custody until February 20.
In his plea, Kwangwa, a taxi driver, alleged that police assaulted him and forced him to pose for photos holding a gun. "They searched all my belongings and found nothing linking me to the case," he said. "A medical report can be produced to confirm how the police assaulted me."
Mugwagwa claimed he was unaware of the robbery until his arrest. "I was called to meet someone at Magetsini in Emakhandeni, and police surrounded the car," he recounted. "The next day, we were taken to a bush in Richmond, where we found Kwangwa. Police set dogs on him and then told us they had dockets ready and no one could refuse to sign them."
Mvula, who said Kwangwa was his nephew's taxi driver, insisted he had no involvement in the alleged robbery. "I explained this to the police, and it was recorded in my statement," he said. "I am still waiting to hear what evidence the investigating officer has against me."
The State alleges that on the day of the robbery, the three suspects stormed Evergold Milling Company and stole cash, goods, and cellphones. The incident has raised questions about police conduct during the investigation, with accusations of brutality, coercion, and mistaken identity dominating the court proceedings.
The case has sparked public interest as the suspects maintain their innocence, and concerns grow over alleged police misconduct during the handling of the case. The court will reconvene on February 20 to continue the trial.
The trio appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Matthew Mutiro and pleaded not guilty to the charges. They were remanded in custody until February 20.
In his plea, Kwangwa, a taxi driver, alleged that police assaulted him and forced him to pose for photos holding a gun. "They searched all my belongings and found nothing linking me to the case," he said. "A medical report can be produced to confirm how the police assaulted me."
Mugwagwa claimed he was unaware of the robbery until his arrest. "I was called to meet someone at Magetsini in Emakhandeni, and police surrounded the car," he recounted. "The next day, we were taken to a bush in Richmond, where we found Kwangwa. Police set dogs on him and then told us they had dockets ready and no one could refuse to sign them."
Mvula, who said Kwangwa was his nephew's taxi driver, insisted he had no involvement in the alleged robbery. "I explained this to the police, and it was recorded in my statement," he said. "I am still waiting to hear what evidence the investigating officer has against me."
The State alleges that on the day of the robbery, the three suspects stormed Evergold Milling Company and stole cash, goods, and cellphones. The incident has raised questions about police conduct during the investigation, with accusations of brutality, coercion, and mistaken identity dominating the court proceedings.
The case has sparked public interest as the suspects maintain their innocence, and concerns grow over alleged police misconduct during the handling of the case. The court will reconvene on February 20 to continue the trial.
Source - southern eye
