News / National
Man charged over string of Bulawayo armed robberies
36 mins ago |
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A 29-year-old man from Bulawayo, Silence Moyo, has appeared in court facing allegations of orchestrating a series of violent robberies that left businesses and residents on edge across the city. Moyo, from Emakhandeni suburb, is charged with four counts of armed robbery and was remanded in custody by Western Commonage regional magistrate Pasipanodya Maturure, with his trial set to begin on 8 December.
Prosecutor Christina Manyika described a series of alarming incidents starting on 7 November at around 8PM, when Moyo, along with two unidentified accomplices, allegedly raided MNS Enterprises in Magwegwe. Armed with a pistol and a Colombian knife, the trio reportedly forced business operator Shingirirai Manoyopera to the ground and demanded cash and valuables. They allegedly stole two Itel cellphones, batches of airtime cards worth US$100 from Econet and NetOne, and US$300 in cash.
Just two days later, Moyo and his gang allegedly targeted a driver at the intersection of Masiyephambili Drive and Luveve Road. Traveling in a Honda Fit, they blocked a Nissan Sunny driven by Probit Gwama, assaulting him and stabbing him twice in the thigh before fleeing with US$180.
The spree reportedly continued on 13 November, when the gang struck Easy Pick Shops. Wearing balaclavas and armed with a pistol, an axe, and a jungle knife, the suspects allegedly overpowered the complainant and escaped with US$840 and several mobile phones.
On 17 November, Moyo's group allegedly carried out another daring robbery at Daily Grants Bar in Gwabalanda, threatening barmen Ashley Chapepa and Larry Muchero at gunpoint. They reportedly stole US$675, R1 300, airtime recharge cards valued at US$347, the barmen's cellphones, and two bottles of Gold Blend beer.
Authorities eventually apprehended Moyo, recovering some of the stolen cellphones and airtime cards, though his accomplices remain at large. If convicted, Moyo faces a substantial prison sentence. The trial is expected to shed further light on the gang's violent spree.
Prosecutor Christina Manyika described a series of alarming incidents starting on 7 November at around 8PM, when Moyo, along with two unidentified accomplices, allegedly raided MNS Enterprises in Magwegwe. Armed with a pistol and a Colombian knife, the trio reportedly forced business operator Shingirirai Manoyopera to the ground and demanded cash and valuables. They allegedly stole two Itel cellphones, batches of airtime cards worth US$100 from Econet and NetOne, and US$300 in cash.
Just two days later, Moyo and his gang allegedly targeted a driver at the intersection of Masiyephambili Drive and Luveve Road. Traveling in a Honda Fit, they blocked a Nissan Sunny driven by Probit Gwama, assaulting him and stabbing him twice in the thigh before fleeing with US$180.
On 17 November, Moyo's group allegedly carried out another daring robbery at Daily Grants Bar in Gwabalanda, threatening barmen Ashley Chapepa and Larry Muchero at gunpoint. They reportedly stole US$675, R1 300, airtime recharge cards valued at US$347, the barmen's cellphones, and two bottles of Gold Blend beer.
Authorities eventually apprehended Moyo, recovering some of the stolen cellphones and airtime cards, though his accomplices remain at large. If convicted, Moyo faces a substantial prison sentence. The trial is expected to shed further light on the gang's violent spree.
Source - BMetro
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