Zanu PF’s Charles Simbi’s Son Among Seven Accused of Armed Robbery

Former Gweru councillor and Midlands Zanu PF member Charles Simbi’s son and a relative have appeared before the Gweru Magistrate Courts on armed robbery charges alongside five others.

Nyasha Osward Simbi, 27, of Southview, Gweru, and Alex Simbi, 42, of Mkoba 6, Gweru, both employees at Thunderbird 42 Mine owned by Charles, 56, are among the accused.

Charles, who unsuccessfully contested the Mkoba parliamentary seat under Zanu PF, is also facing a separate fraud case for allegedly forging land ownership documents with his wife, Zodwa Thembinkosi, to seize mining claims near Gweru.

Nyasha and Alex are alleged to be part of a seven-member gang that carried out an armed robbery at MT Mine on February 8, 2025, at around 3 AM, using a pistol, machetes, and knobkerries to demand cash and gold.

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The other five suspects include Kimton Sibanda, 25, and Samu Sibanda, 24, both from Beneti Village in Lower Gwelo under Chief Sogwala; Takudzwa Nyoni, 33, from Cowdray Park, Bulawayo; Hercluse Nhongo, 29, of Clifton Park, Gweru; and Bright Ndlovu, 43, from Malamulela Village under Chief Nduku in Zhombe.

They were arrested on February 9, 2025, a day after the robbery.

According to court documents obtained by ZimLive, the seven face two counts of armed robbery and one count of assault. The National Prosecuting Authority alleges that they threatened Shepherd Kutse and Norman Mahlani at MT Mine with a pistol and knobkerries before assaulting them with machetes while demanding cash and gold. They allegedly stole a Samsung A33 from Kutse and a Samsung S23 from Mahlani.

On the third charge, the gang is accused of assaulting Stephen Ndlovu with machetes and knobkerries while demanding cash and gold. Ndlovu managed to escape but sustained a cut on his left leg.

The suspects were identified by witnesses and the victims. They were remanded in custody until February 25, 2025, and are being represented by lawyer Esau Mandipa of Mandipa, Makwara, and Chikukwa Legal Practitioners.