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3 more suspects in Chivayo in-laws farm robbery appear in court
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Three more suspected armed robbers linked to the violent raid on businessman Wicknell Chivayo's in-laws' farm in Marondera have appeared in court, bringing the total number of arrested suspects to 18.
The trio - Shingirai Bhaureni, Dave Saurombe, and Munyaradzi Chakanetsa - appeared before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa yesterday. They were remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail through the High Court.
The court heard that the men were part of a heavily armed gang that stormed Alpha and Omega Farm in the early hours of March 18. The group, reportedly carrying three rifles, two pistols, machetes, iron bars, and bolt cutters, launched a coordinated attack on the property.
According to the State, the gang first assaulted a security guard, Petros Mabunhu, with iron bars and tied him up using cable ties. They then confronted two more guards - Mutasa Rusike, who was disarmed of an unloaded shotgun, and Medic Zhakata, who was struck multiple times on the head before also being restrained.
Leaving two armed robbers to guard the subdued security staff, the rest of the gang proceeded to the farmhouse. They cut through an anti-burglary screen, broke into the house, and forced their way into Gerald Muteke's bedroom. Under threat, Muteke surrendered US$18,000 in cash, a loaded Sarsilmaz pistol, and two Samsung smartphones.
The robbers then moved to Vimbai Muteke's room, where she handed over US$1,000, a Chubb safe key, and a Samsung Galaxy A35. She was escorted to the main bedroom where she unlocked the safe and surrendered an additional US$55,000 in cash.
As the robbers attempted to flee, Elphas Maruta, a responder armed with a .303 rifle, fired two warning shots. The robbers returned fire but ultimately fled the scene with loot valued at over US$85,000. Police later recovered property worth US$6,300.
The trio is also facing separate charges relating to a February 25 robbery in Zengeza 4, where they allegedly broke into the home of Cossam Siminya while he and his wife were asleep.
Lancelot Mutsokoti appeared for the State. The case is still under investigation as police continue their efforts to recover the remaining stolen items and apprehend any remaining suspects.
The trio - Shingirai Bhaureni, Dave Saurombe, and Munyaradzi Chakanetsa - appeared before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa yesterday. They were remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail through the High Court.
The court heard that the men were part of a heavily armed gang that stormed Alpha and Omega Farm in the early hours of March 18. The group, reportedly carrying three rifles, two pistols, machetes, iron bars, and bolt cutters, launched a coordinated attack on the property.
According to the State, the gang first assaulted a security guard, Petros Mabunhu, with iron bars and tied him up using cable ties. They then confronted two more guards - Mutasa Rusike, who was disarmed of an unloaded shotgun, and Medic Zhakata, who was struck multiple times on the head before also being restrained.
The robbers then moved to Vimbai Muteke's room, where she handed over US$1,000, a Chubb safe key, and a Samsung Galaxy A35. She was escorted to the main bedroom where she unlocked the safe and surrendered an additional US$55,000 in cash.
As the robbers attempted to flee, Elphas Maruta, a responder armed with a .303 rifle, fired two warning shots. The robbers returned fire but ultimately fled the scene with loot valued at over US$85,000. Police later recovered property worth US$6,300.
The trio is also facing separate charges relating to a February 25 robbery in Zengeza 4, where they allegedly broke into the home of Cossam Siminya while he and his wife were asleep.
Lancelot Mutsokoti appeared for the State. The case is still under investigation as police continue their efforts to recover the remaining stolen items and apprehend any remaining suspects.
Source - the herald
