Chitungwiza Woman in Court Over Armed Robbery Spre...

Chitungwiza Woman in Court Over Armed Robbery Spree

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

A 34-year-old woman, Monica Muguti, from Chitungwiza, has appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts facing two counts of armed robbery. She was remanded to December 12.

Muguti is alleged to have been part of a gang responsible for a series of armed robberies, targeting homes in Harare and Goromonzi, and making off with cash, valuables, and firearms.

On October 26, at around 8 PM, the gang approached a property on Christon Road, Christon Bank, Harare, disguised as police officers investigating a stolen laptop. They lured the gardener out of his cottage, handcuffed him, and forced him to lead them to the main house.

Once inside, they tied the hands and legs of the homeowners—a married couple—and threatened to shoot them while demanding money and valuables.

The gang stole cash amounting to US$760, multiple iPhones, a gas tank, groceries, and a Walther pistol along with ammunition. They loaded their loot into the victims' Toyota Rav 4 and drove away, later abandoning the car in Mazowe.

The total value of the stolen property was estimated at US$20,000.

On November 3, around 6 PM, Muguti and her accomplices targeted another home at Plot 01 Pircy Farm, Goromonzi. Armed with pistols and machetes, they entered through an open door and subdued the family, tying them up with electric cables and laptop chargers.

The gang stole cash, including US$3,000, an array of electronic devices such as iPhones, laptops, and speakers, as well as firearms from a gun cabinet. However, they abandoned the firearms in the backyard as they fled.

The stolen property in this incident was valued at US$16,000, with US$350 recovered.Arrest and Recovery of Stolen Items.

On November 18, detectives received information implicating Muguti through her alleged connection to Tawanda Manokore, a gang member currently in remand. A search at Muguti’s residence led to the recovery of several stolen items, including jewelry, watches, and personal belongings from her wardrobe.

Muguti reported to CID Homicide Harare on November 19, where she was subsequently arrested. Investigations are ongoing, and the police are still pursuing Muguti’s accomplices.