5-man robbery gang vanishes with $30 000

A FIVE-man gang of suspected armed robbers allegedly stole $30 000 cash after raiding three business premises in Chitungwiza.

During the robbery spree, the gang reportedly used explosives to open safes.

Luck ran out for them after they were captured in the act by a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in one of the shops.

One of the gang members, Ishmael Mutungira (23), was arrested and brought to court recently. His accomplices are still at large. Prosecutor Ms Linda Gadzikwa alleged that on January 16 this year, Mutungira and his accomplices plotted to rob Manhando Wholesalers at Huruyadzo Shopping Centre.

They allegedly armed themselves with pistols and explosives and proceeded to the scene, where they confronted a security guard who was manning the premises.

They tied the security guard with shoelaces before gaining entry into the offices.

The gang subsequently used explosives to blow a safe containing $21 285.

Mutungira reportedly used part of the money to buy a car, a Mazda Demio. That same night, the gang used the same method and tied a security guard at M and J shop in the same area. They allegedly blew a safe and stole $7 500. Two days later, they pounced on Fake Dealers Wholesalers in Zengeza 2, Chitungwiza, where they shot the security guard, seriously injuring him, to gain entry into the shop. It is alleged that they stole two HP laptops. Meanwhile, another five-member gang — four of who were clad in military fatigues — allegedly stole a tractor and a disc plough worth $15 000 from First Transfer Secretaries Pvt Ltd.

Thirty-two-year-old Moses Maswela has since been arrested in connection with the robbery, while his accomplices are still at large.

It is however not clear in the State papers whether the four are members of the ZNA or bogus soldiers.

Maswela was released on $300 bail and will be back in court on March 5. Allegations are that on December 25 last year, the gang approached Pfumbayakona Paradzai, a security guard who was on duty at First Transfer Secretaries Private Limited. They reportedly threatened him and ordered him to open the gate before stealing the items. — HR.