Soldiers face armed robbery charges

The Bulawayo High Court has granted bail of US$100 each to three members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) who are facing robbery charges.

The trio - Iphithule Mlotshwa (24), Hamlet Mlotshwa (21) and Haulezwe Mlotshwa (25) - were arrested last year on two counts of robbery, allegations they have denied.

They first appeared before magistrate Shingirai Mutiro in December last year, where they were remanded in custody pending trial. The accused later approached the High Court seeking bail, an application that was opposed by the State.

However, in a judgment dated January 2, 2026, Bulawayo High Court Judge Justice Ngoni Nduna granted the three bail, ruling that the State had failed to reasonably justify why bail should be denied.

"There is no reason why bail should be denied," Justice Nduna said.

"The accused persons, being in full-time employment, are entitled to be released on bail. However, there must be some conditions attached to their release which are meant to ensure the accused persons' availability for their trial."

As part of the bail conditions, the judge ordered the accused to report to the nearest police station once every fortnight on Fridays until the matter is finalised.

According to the allegations, on December 24 the three allegedly stormed the Claremont mining area in Fort Rixon armed with axes, knives, electric shock devices, handcuffs and torches.

The court heard that they allegedly broke into the bedroom of Qondisani Moyo, assaulted and handcuffed him before stealing US$2 800.

The suspects are further accused of proceeding to the home of Trust Ndlovu, where they allegedly stole a smartphone valued at US$100, before robbing Bukhosi Mkandla of US$350 after entering his bedroom.

At Claremont Business Centre, the trio allegedly attacked Atila Nyathi and stole US$1 200. The court also heard that they allegedly severely assaulted Press Luphahla after finding him without any valuables.

The matter is still before the courts.