A GANG of five suspected armed robbers was yesterday arraigned before a court following its arrest after months of terrorising residents and businesses in Harare and surrounding areas.
The accused persons, who operated in a well-co-ordinated manner, are linked to at least four violent robberies between November 2024 and February this year.
The accused, Douglas Mutenda (37), Takudzwa Nheta (24), Zephania Munyuki (38), Jephat Muganhu (20) and Allen Musarurwa (42), were arrested on Thursday last week in Waterfalls while allegedly attempting to carry out another robbery.
They were remanded in custody by Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa to March 18 pending finalisation of investigations.
Law enforcement officers, acting on a tip-off, apprehended the suspects before they could execute their plan.
According to prosecutor Mercy Masamvi, investigations have linked the gang to a series of armed robberies targeting homes, businesses and a hospital.
She alleged that on November 25, the gang stormed a residence while armed with a pistol and wearing balaclavas.
It tied the victim and force-marched him to his parent’s bedroom, where the gang stole US$2 845, R360 and three Samsung cellphones.
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It was later discovered that the suspects had poisoned five guard dogs before breaking into the house.
A month later, on December 20, the gang allegedly struck at another residence.
This time, it was armed with a pistol and knives.
The gang reportedly assaulted the complainant, tied her hands with a necktie and ransacked the house.
The accused persons stole various household items, including 10 dressed chickens, a gas tank, electric cables and a solar battery.
One of the accused allegedly threatened to rape the complainant in the presence of his accomplices, before another gang member intervened.
On February 15, the court heard that they attacked a business.
They raided Maswera Energies, where they tied a security guard and used iron bars and bolt cutters to break into offices.
The gang got away with cash, work suits, solar batteries, a generator and various items worth approximately US$2 000.
A week later, on February 22, the alleged robbers targeted Queen of Peace Hospital.
They overpowered a security guard, tied him and gagged him before ransacking administrative offices.
The gang made off with a safe which only contained receipts.
Detectives finally caught up with the accused in the early hours of February 27.
Acting on intelligence, police intercepted them in Waterfalls, where they were preparing for another robbery.
Officers recovered a bolt cutter, a crowbar and a spear.
Further investigations led to the discovery of documents from the stolen hospital safe, along with a car battery and a welding machine.
