News / National
Two pose as passengers, rob driver
09 Dec 2024 at 06:49hrs | Views
Two men, Bulisani Moyo (18) from Exchange Village in Inyathi and Ocean Mpofu (20), of no fixed abode, were arraigned before the Bulawayo Magistrates' Court on Friday, facing charges of robbery after allegedly carjacking a driver and stealing his vehicle, cellphone, and cash.
The two were brought before regional magistrate Sibonginkosi Mnkandla, with prosecutor Siphiwe Mhlanga outlining the details of the crime that took place on November 13 at around 9pm.
According to Mhlanga, the victim, Abinara Moses, a driver, was parked in his sky blue Honda Fit near Chicken Inn, close to Tredgold building, waiting for customers. The accused allegedly approached Moses posing as passengers needing a ride to Woodville in Umguza.
One of the accused, posing as a customer, called Moses and requested to be driven from Pick n Pay, located along Fort Street and 10th Avenue, to the Woodville suburb.
Once they reached Plot 50 in Woodville, the situation took a violent turn. Mhlanga told the court that while en route on the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road, one of the accused, who had been seated in the back seat, grabbed Moses from behind, pulled out a knife, and threatened him.
The victim, now in fear for his life, lost control of the vehicle, which subsequently plunged into a ditch. The robbers then stole Moses's Samsung Galaxy A13 cellphone, R500, and US$15 in cash.
The court further heard that after the robbery, the accused tied Moses's hands and legs with a cloth and force-marched him to a secluded area, where they made him lie face down. They then drove off in Moses's vehicle.
After managing to free himself from the restraints, Moses reported the incident to Queens Park police, who launched an investigation. The two suspects were arrested, and the stolen motor vehicle, along with the Samsung A13 cellphone, was recovered.
The total value of the stolen property was estimated at US$3,115, with the vehicle and cellphone, valued at US$3,090, recovered.
Both accused were charged with robbery, and the case was adjourned as the investigation continues.
The two were brought before regional magistrate Sibonginkosi Mnkandla, with prosecutor Siphiwe Mhlanga outlining the details of the crime that took place on November 13 at around 9pm.
According to Mhlanga, the victim, Abinara Moses, a driver, was parked in his sky blue Honda Fit near Chicken Inn, close to Tredgold building, waiting for customers. The accused allegedly approached Moses posing as passengers needing a ride to Woodville in Umguza.
One of the accused, posing as a customer, called Moses and requested to be driven from Pick n Pay, located along Fort Street and 10th Avenue, to the Woodville suburb.
Once they reached Plot 50 in Woodville, the situation took a violent turn. Mhlanga told the court that while en route on the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road, one of the accused, who had been seated in the back seat, grabbed Moses from behind, pulled out a knife, and threatened him.
The court further heard that after the robbery, the accused tied Moses's hands and legs with a cloth and force-marched him to a secluded area, where they made him lie face down. They then drove off in Moses's vehicle.
After managing to free himself from the restraints, Moses reported the incident to Queens Park police, who launched an investigation. The two suspects were arrested, and the stolen motor vehicle, along with the Samsung A13 cellphone, was recovered.
The total value of the stolen property was estimated at US$3,115, with the vehicle and cellphone, valued at US$3,090, recovered.
Both accused were charged with robbery, and the case was adjourned as the investigation continues.
Source - The Chronicle
