The ManicaPost
Abel Zhakata
Senior Reporter
TWO notorious armed robbers who pounced on unsuspecting motorists at Sakubva Swimming Pool robots and stole their vehicles at gunpoint have been hauled before a Mutare magistrate facing four counts of robbery.
Artwell Xolani Machekera (29) and Phenias Bhasera (29) were remanded in custody to March 25 when they appeared before Mutare magistrate, Miss Prisca Manhibi, for contravening Section 126 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
Public prosecutor, Mr Chris Munyuku said the suspects unleashed a reign of terror from February 28 to March 10.
“On February 28 at around 10pm, the complainant, Mr Lawson Masiyazi was driving a Honda Fit from the city centre to Dangamvura. Upon arriving at Sakubva swimming pool robots, the two suspects stopped him and requested for transport to Dangamvura.
“The suspects entered into the vehicle and upon arrival at the Dangamvura Link Road, one of the robbers produced a CZ pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition. He pointed it on Mr Masiyazi’s head and ordered him to stop the car.
“The robbers took over the car and drove to Marange. The complainant, who had been dumped, made a report at ZRP Mutare Rural,” said Mr Munyuku.
On March 2, the two suspects raided another complainant.
“The complainant closed his shop at Mwatipedza Business Centre in Marange and went on to watch a movie on his cellphone while seated on the veranda. The two suspects who were armed with a CZ pistol and a knife approached him and demanded cash.
“They force-marched him into his room and stole US$120, a cellphone and a car battery. They disappeared and a report was made at ZRP Mutare Rural.
“The following day at around 8pm, the two suspects robbed Mr Leon Mbiba of his Toyota Sienta vehicle at the Sakubva Swimming Pool robots. They stopped the complainant and requested for transport to Dangamvura.
“They robbed him at gunpoint and dumped him at the Fern Valley Turn-off along the Mutare-Chimanimani Road. Before dumping the complainant, they stole US$365, $4 400 and a cellphone from him. The suspects ordered the complainant to remove all his clothes and left him naked,” said Mr Munyuku.
On March 10, the suspects went back to the Sakubva Swimming Pool robots and robbed Tatenda Saizi of his Honda Fit using the same modus operandi.
Detectives later tracked them down and all the vehicles were recovered in Marange.
