Man in court over US$20k robbery plot

A 25-year-old man from Tshabalala has appeared in court accused of masterminding a robbery in which nearly US$20 000 and more than R140 000 belonging to his employer were stolen.

Given Shoko appeared before Jeconia Prince Ncube at the Western Commonage Magistrates' Court facing robbery charges.

He was remanded out of custody to March 24 for trial and released on US$200 bail.

Prosecutor Tafara Dzimbanhete told the court that on March 3 at around 9.50pm, the complainant, Lizwe Dube (47), arrived in Bulawayo from Gwanda carrying his employer's cash amounting to US$19 672 and R142 100.

Dube allegedly stopped at a local bar for drinks before proceeding to the company premises in Kelvin Industrial Area.

The court heard that Dube then phoned Shoko and asked him to bring a company vehicle.

Shoko allegedly collected the complainant and began driving, but instead of dropping him off at his usual stop, he continued driving until reaching Emalahleni Bus Stop.

"Shoko stopped the vehicle, switched off the engine and got out, walking into a nearby maize field," Dzimbanhete told the court.

According to the State, Shoko returned a few minutes later and stood next to the vehicle before two suspected accomplices emerged and confronted the complainant.

The pair allegedly struck Shoko with a knobkerrie on the buttocks before grabbing a satchel containing the cash from the vehicle and fleeing.

Shoko allegedly pretended to chase after the suspects.

A report was later made to the police, triggering investigations that led to Shoko's arrest.

Investigations allegedly revealed that Shoko had conspired with Anesu Magombedze and Alfred Magombedze, who are still at large, to rob the complainant of the money belonging to Kwazulu Logistics.

The stolen money has not yet been recovered.