34 robberies in 3 weeks

POLICE have arrested five men who were allegedly part of a six-member gang of highway robbers that targeted motorists in Kwekwe and Gokwe, robbing about 34 people in three weeks.

In one incident, the suspects robbed five people in a vehicle of $458 and two cellphones at gunpoint.

In another, they allegedly stopped a commuter omnibus and relieved 11 passengers of $1 300 while armed with a gun and machetes.

During one of their escapades, the gang allegedly robbed a motorist of a Toyota Vitz, $3 532 and four cell phones.

Nkosiyami Makosi Mpofu (33), Zakeo Dube (29), Tarisai Shonhiwa (20), Nkosilathi Nyoni (25) and Mduduzi Dube (23) yesterday appeared before Gokwe Regional Magistrate Mr Solomon Jenya, each facing 34 counts of armed robbery.

Mpofu and Dube of Zhombe, Shonhiwa and Nyoni of Gweru and Dube from Filabusi, who are all not employed, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The sixth man, Darlington Ndlovu (age not given), is still at large.