Seven suspected robbers of a financial services company and escaping with a substantial sum, a pistol, and laptops, appeared in court yesterday.
The accused, Washington Mangwanda, Brighton Chikuwa, Silence Matambo, Liberty Mukangaise, Richard Marondera, Luke Zinyengere, and Shadreck Tendai Mudanga, stood before Harare regional magistrate Mr. Donald Ndirowei facing charges of armed robbery.
The prosecution alleged that on February 25, at approximately 1:30 am, the accused arrived at the premises of Lancelot Tashayawedu armed with pistols, an electric drill, an iron bar, a bolt cutter, and explosives. They broke into Tashayawedu’s living quarters, restrained him, and then proceeded to ransack various offices within the building, including the server room and managerial offices.
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The seven suspected robbers made off with a significant amount of cash, laptops, and other valuables. However, their plans were disrupted by the arrival of a Safeguard Security Company team, prompting their hasty departure. Despite their efforts to evade capture, the authorities managed to apprehend the suspects and recover a portion of the stolen cash.
Individuals among the accused led the police to the recovery of additional funds and items purchased with the stolen money, including vehicles and electronic devices. Evidence of communication between the suspects before and during the robbery was also presented, supported by call history records.
The accused will remain in custody pending a bail ruling scheduled for Monday, while two other suspects have been released.