Two Chitungwiza men, Peter Maramba Vhiya (43) and Takudzwa Maisvoreva (24), appeared in court yesterday facing serious robbery charges for their alleged involvement in a violent raid on businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws’ Marondera farm.
The pair, represented by their lawyer, Mr Kudakwashe Munyoro, stood before regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa on two counts of robbery. The court informed them that only the High Court could consider granting bail. Their case was adjourned to April 10 to allow for the inclusion of a third alleged accomplice.
Prosecutor Mr Lancelot Mutsokoti detailed the gang’s alleged actions on March 18th around 1 am at Alfa and Omega Farm. Vhiya and Maisvoreva, along with other suspects still at large, reportedly descended on the property armed with a formidable arsenal including three rifles, two pistols, bolt cutters, machetes, and iron bars.
Their alleged crime spree began with the brutal ambush of security guard Petros Mabunhu. The prosecutor stated that the accused, along with their accomplices, assaulted Mabunhu with iron bars and kicks before binding his hands and legs with cable ties and forcing him into the farmyard. There, they allegedly confronted another guard, Zex Mutasa Rusike, disarming him of an unloaded shotgun before similarly tying him up and marching him to the front guardroom. A third guard, Medic Zhakata, also allegedly fell victim to their violence and was restrained.
According to the prosecution, two armed members of the gang then guarded the incapacitated security personnel while Vhiya, Maisvoreva, and others allegedly broke into the main house. They reportedly used bolt cutters to breach the burglar screen and kitchen door, ultimately confronting Gerald Muteke in his bedroom. Facing the armed intruders, Mr Muteke allegedly surrendered US$18,000 in cash, a loaded Sarsilmaz pistol, and two Samsung smartphones.
The prosecution further outlined how the alleged robbers then targeted Vimbai Muteke’s bedroom, demanding cash and safe keys. She reportedly handed over US$1,100, the safe key, and a Samsung Galaxy A35. Inside the main bedroom safe, the gang allegedly stole an additional US$55,000. Their raid was momentarily disrupted when Elphas Maruta, armed with a rifle, approached the house, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire before the accused and their accomplices ultimately fled with a total of US$74,600 in cash and valuables. Police later recovered a small portion of the stolen goods.
The court also heard that Vhiya and Maisvoreva are implicated in a separate violent robbery on February 25th at the residence of Cossam Siminya. Around 3 am, the same gang, this time allegedly armed with pistols, sjamboks, iron bars, and a hammer, are accused of forcing their way into Mr Siminya’s home after being alerted by barking dogs.
The prosecution detailed how Ms Makore, Mr Siminya’s wife, alerted him to suspicious noises. While she sought help, the alleged robbers forced entry, ransacked the house, and stole a cellphone from Panashe Zhuwawo. Outside, assisting neighbours were reportedly forced to flee after one of the robbers fired warning shots.
Inside, the gang allegedly confronted Jane Manokore, stealing a television, cash, a cellphone, and other valuables. They then allegedly targeted Mr Siminya, stealing US$10,000 in cash, an iPhone, a Tecno phone, groceries, and other items. Their alleged crime spree continued at a tuck shop on the property, where they severely assaulted Bosco Chidukudze before stealing his cellphone. The total value of goods stolen in this second incident amounted to US$13,220, none of which has been recovered.
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