After two months on the run, man in court over US$48k robbery

A 29-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court facing charges of robbery involving US$48 000.

Innocent Nekati was denied bail when he appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi.

He will be back in court today for his bail application.

It is alleged Nekati has been on the run for the past two months.

The State said on November 27 last year, at around 2am, Nekati was in the company of Blessing Kanyenze, Shadreck Kanjera, Prosper Mutambudzi and Petros Nziramasanga, who already appeared in court, when they hatched a plan to rob Simon Masumbanyika.

They armed themselves with logs and went to Masumbanyika’s house where they scaled the precast wall.

They allegedly opened the door to gain entry into the house and assaulted Masumbanyika with logs demanding cash and valuables.

They forced Masumbanyika to hand over the keys to the safe.

The State said the gang ordered members of Masumbanyika’s family to cover their heads with blankets.

They took US$48 000 and an iPhone X Max and fled.

Masumbanyika recovered his phone in his neighbour’s yard.

Nekati was implicated by his accomplices, who had been arrested, during investigations.

Only US$12 000 was recovered. Zebedia Bofu appeared for the State.