HARARE – A suspected armed robber is currently under police guard at Parirenyatwa Hospital after being shot and arrested following a dramatic high-speed chase from Harare to Marondera. The suspect, identified as 65-year-old Kenny Magena, was apprehended hours after allegedly participating in an armed robbery at a residence in Harare.
Harare regional magistrate Tilda Mazhande convened court at the hospital yesterday to remand Magena in custody. He was advised to appear at Marondera Magistrate’s Court on May 12.
The court heard that on April 26, Magena, along with his accomplices Collen Marion Banda, Kudakwashe Mawonya, Felix Tagonera, and Clemence Fadzai Manyika, allegedly conspired to rob Costas Andreas Klostris at his residence. The gang is said to have laid an ambush, awaiting Klostris’s return.
According to court documents, Klostris arrived home at approximately 4.30pm and, upon parking his car, was immediately accosted by the robbers. The assailants, wearing balaclavas and armed with two pistols, reportedly manhandled Klostris and ordered him out of his vehicle, demanding money.
Sensing the imminent danger, Klostris complied with the robbers’ demands, directing them to a small basket in the car containing money. The robbers allegedly stole US$13 500 before fleeing the scene, leaving Klostris tied up.
After managing to free himself, Klostris promptly reported the incident to the police. Law enforcement officers swiftly spotted the getaway vehicle speeding away from the scene towards Harare, initiating a hot pursuit.
During the chase, police fired warning shots in an attempt to stop the fleeing suspects. When the gang eventually stopped, they bolted out of the motor vehicle in an attempt to evade arrest. Detectives responded by firing shots, hitting Magena in the left lower limb, causing him to fall to the ground.
Magena was subsequently apprehended, along with his accomplices. A search of the getaway vehicle yielded a black 9mm Retay MOD 92 blank pistol with serial number RIYREROYSO1-2407082, a bottle of paper spray, 1 pair of gloves, two grinder discs, and cable tiers. Police also recovered US$13 116 from his accomplices.
Magena, who sustained a gunshot wound, was referred to Parirenyatwa Hospital for medical treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.
Police Investigate Fatal Speed Chase in Gweru
In a separate incident, police have launched investigations into a fatal road traffic accident that occurred along the Gweru-Bristol Road on April 28 at approximately 10.30pm. Two people died on the spot after their car crashed into a tree during a speed chase with a police officer.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police have instituted criminal and disciplinary action against the police constable who was involved in the fatal speed chase.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that investigations are being conducted in connection with a fatal road traffic accident that occurred along Bristol Road on 28 April at around 2230 hours. Two people who were in a Toyota Aqua that was in a speed chase with Constable Sakala of ZRP Mkoba died on the spot when their vehicle hit a tree,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
Armed Robber Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison in Beitbridge
Meanwhile, in Beitbridge, a 33-year-old man from Mukotosi village in Masvingo has been sentenced to an effective seven years in prison for armed robbery. Farai Magobo was initially sentenced to 12 years imprisonment, with three years suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, and an additional two years suspended on condition of restitution.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), on March 9 this year, Magobo and an accomplice, who is still at large, ambushed Watch Makayi, a local driver, after he disembarked from a taxi near Mutsa Lodge in Beitbridge.
The NPA stated that Makayi had just collected R200 000 from his employer’s shops, which he was delivering to a residence. Magobo sprayed Makayi in the face while his accomplice brandished a pistol threatening to kill him. The cash was hidden in food bowls, plastic containers, and red plastic bags. As the robbers fled, Makayi screamed for help, and bystanders gave chase. The armed accomplice fired four shots.
Magobo was apprehended by a member of the public, who noticed him carrying pepper spray and a red paper bag. R15 000 was recovered from Magobo, while the remaining R185 000 was not recovered, and the accomplice remains at large. The NPA confirmed that Makayi positively identified Magobo as one of the robbers.
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