Pharmacy ‘armed robbers’ in court

TWO men from Gwanda who last month allegedly robbed Bulawayo`s City Centre Pharmacy and got away with $642, appeared in court yesterday.

Mpholisi Ndlovu (31) and Tellmore Dube (27) both of Ultra High in Gwanda and their accomplice Khumbulani Sibanda who is at large allegedly pointed a gun at two workers at the pharmacy which is at the intersection of Lobengula Street and Third Avenue and demanded cash.

The incident occurred on April 1 at around 8PM.

The court heard that Sibanda is on the police wanted list for several crimes involving the use of a gun.

Ndlovu and Dube and appeared before magistrate Ms Sibongile Msipa-Marondedze facing a charge of robbery.

The pair pleaded not guilty and Ms MsipaMarondedze remanded them in custody to May 9 for commencement of trial.

Prosecuting, Ms Caroline Matanga said the trio pretended to be customers and asked for 25 grams of phenobarbitone drug from a pharmacist.

“As the complainant took the drug to show them, Sibanda drew a pistol and pointed it at the pharmacist and demanded cash.

“The complainant called his workmate Ms Caroline Chikerema who was counting money in the next office,” she said.

“Sibanda pointed a gun at Ms Chikerema and force marched her back to the office where the money was and the other two accused persons followed them and took $642 which was on the table and went away.”

Ms Matanga said the pharmacists reported the matter to the police leading to the arrest of Ndlovu and Dube.

She said last week on Wednesday, the police arrested Dube at Tredgold court and Ms Chikerema identified Ndlovu leading to his arrest. — @cynthiamthembo1