Harare – A gang of five suspected armed robbers, accused of terrorising residents and businesses in Harare and surrounding areas for months, were brought before the courts yesterday following their arrest last week.
Douglas Mutenda (37), Takudzwa Nheta (24), Zephania Munyuki (38), Jephat Muganhu (20), and Allen Musarurwa (42) appeared before Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, who remanded them in custody to March 18 pending the completion of investigations.
The accused, who are believed to have operated in a well-coordinated manner, are linked to at least four violent robberies that occurred between November 2024 and February this year.
Law enforcement officers, acting on a tip-off, apprehended the suspects on Thursday last week in Waterfalls, allegedly as they were preparing to carry out another robbery.
According to prosecutor Mercy Masamvi, investigations have linked the gang to a series of armed robberies targeting homes, businesses, and even a hospital.
The court heard details of the gang’s alleged crimes, beginning with a raid on a residence on November 25. The prosecutor alleged that the gang stormed the property, armed with a pistol and wearing balaclavas. They tied up the victim and forced him to lead them to his parents’ bedroom, where they stole US$2 845, R360, and three Samsung cellphones. It was later discovered that the suspects had poisoned five guard dogs before breaking into the house.
A month later, on December 20, the gang allegedly struck at another residence, this time armed with a pistol and knives. The gang reportedly assaulted the complainant, tied her hands with a necktie, and ransacked the house. They stole various household items, including 10 dressed chickens, a gas tank, electric cables, and a solar battery. Adding a disturbing element to the crime, one of the accused allegedly threatened to rape the complainant in the presence of his accomplices, before another gang member intervened.
The gang’s alleged crime spree continued into the new year. On February 15, they are accused of attacking a business, Maswera Energies. They reportedly tied up a security guard and used iron bars and bolt cutters to break into offices, making off with cash, work suits, solar batteries, a generator, and various other items worth approximately US$2 000.
Just a week later, on February 22, the alleged robbers targeted Queen of Peace Hospital. They overpowered a security guard, tied him up, and gagged him before ransacking administrative offices. However, in this instance, the gang’s efforts yielded little reward, as they only managed to steal a safe containing receipts.
Detectives finally caught up with the accused in the early hours of February 27. Acting on intelligence, police intercepted them in Waterfalls, where they were allegedly preparing for yet another robbery. Officers recovered a bolt cutter, a crowbar, and a spear at the scene. Further investigations led to the discovery of documents from the stolen hospital safe, along with a car battery and a welding machine, potentially linking the gang to other unsolved crimes.
Follow @MyZimbabweNews
