Man loses gold to 'Harare buyers'

Nyasha Rusike (38) appeared before Harare Magistrate Mrs. Marehwanazvo Gofa on Thursday, facing robbery charges after allegedly stealing gold and other valuables worth US$5,649 from a gold miner in an elaborate setup. Rusike, who is accused of orchestrating the theft with an accomplice and a group of unidentified assailants, was advised to apply for bail at the High Court and is due back in court on December 3.

The complainant, Mr. Elias Manenji, a gold miner from Mberengwa, reportedly approached Rusike on October 28, seeking a buyer for his gold. Rusike claimed to know interested buyers in Harare, prompting Mr. Manenji and his friend, Mr. Hillary Batisai, to travel from Masvingo to Harare to meet him. Upon meeting, Rusike, accompanied by an accomplice identified only as George, received 33 grams of gold from Mr. Manenji, agreeing on a price of US$120 per gram but withholding payment, stating their buyer required at least 100 grams.

On November 4, Mr. Manenji and Mr. Batisai returned to Harare with an additional 63 grams of gold to reach the required amount. The following day, they met Rusike and George at Helensvale Shopping Centre, intending to finalize the transaction. George directed them to a secluded spot for security reasons, where they handed over the 63 grams of gold.

During the transaction, five men approached their vehicle. Armed with a pistol, they forced their way inside, threatening Mr. Manenji and Mr. Batisai while demanding valuables. The robbers stole two cellphones, US$120 in cash, a small gold scale, and the gold, valued at US$5,649. The victims were then driven to an unknown location and left stranded, while the robbers fled with the stolen items.

Nothing has been recovered, and police continue investigating to track down the remaining suspects in the case.