POLICE allegedly set dogs on a suspected armed robber during indications in Bulawayo, with two other suspects saying they were netted in a case of mistaken identity.
The suspects, Silence Kwangwa (30), Julius Mugwagwa (28) and Felius Mvula (54), appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Matthew Mutiro facing a robbery charge.
They pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody to February 20.
In his plea, Kwangwa said he was a taxi driver.
“The police forced me to be taken pictures carrying a gun,” he said.
“They searched all my belongings and nothing was found pertaining to this case.
“A medical report can be produced which will reveal how the police assaulted me.”
Mugwagwa said he only learnt of the alleged robbery after his arrest.
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“I was called to meet someone at Magetsini in Emakhandeni and police surrounded the car,” Mugwagwa said.
“The following day, we were taken to a bush in Richmond, where we found Kwangwa and dogs were set on him.
“The police then told us they had dockets with them and no one was going to refuse to sign the dockets.”
Mvula said Kwangwa was his nephew’s taxi driver.
“I do not know how I was involved in this robbery case,” he said.
“I told the police and that was recorded in my statement.
“I am yet to hear from the police who arrested me and the investigating officer (about) what I did.”
The court was told that on September 23, 2023, Kwangwa, Mugwagwa and Mvula struck at Evergold Milling Company and stole goods, money and cellphones.
The value of stolen property is US$10 000 plus 7 000 rupees.
Only US$200 and 2 000 rupees were recovered.
