Two Men Face Three Counts of Armed Robbery

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

Two alleged armed robbers accused of targeting car owners and taxi drivers are under police guard in hospital following their arrest.

Mufaro Mupandira, 29, and Brandon Chitiyo ,21, appeared before Harare Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, charged with three counts of armed robbery. They were remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court. Their next court appearance is set for January 17.

According to the prosecution led by Anesu Chirenje, on December 22, the duo, along with their accomplice Fidelis Muchemwa (still at large), posed as passengers at Chirodzero Business Centre, Domboshava. They hired taxi driver Louis Dzoro, who was driving an Ivory Honda Fit, for a trip to Ngomakurira Business Centre.

Upon reaching an isolated area, the suspects attacked Dzoro, strangled him with a rope, and threatened him with a knife. They tied him up, stole US$39, a Samsung Galaxy M13, and other belongings, and assaulted him before locking him in the car boot.

The robbers dumped Dzoro in a maize field at Chabwino Farm, Juru, and fled with the car. Dzoro reported the crime to ZRP Chinamhora. Police recovered US$4 000 of the US$4 135 total stolen property.

On December 21, 2024, the suspects allegedly targeted Bright Mupeti at Murisa Business Centre, Chitungwiza. They hired his silver Honda Fit for a trip to Besa Village under Chief Seke.

During the journey, they asked Mupeti to stop, attacked him, tied his hands and legs, and blindfolded him. They stole US$17 and a phone before dumping him near Hunyani River and fleeing with his car.

The total value of stolen property was US$4 600, with US$4 500 recovered during investigations.

On December 28, 2024, using the stolen Ivory Honda Fit, the suspects offered a lift to a woman traveling from VID Eastlea to Rhodesville, Harare. During the trip, they threatened her with a knife, stole her phone and US$25, tied her up, and locked her in the car boot.

They were intercepted at a police checkpoint along Mutare Road. The suspects escaped on foot, but ZRP Mabvuku Traffic officers recovered the stolen car.

The woman reported the robbery to ZRP Mabvuku.

Police investigations led to the arrest of Mupandira and Chitiyo, while efforts to apprehend their accomplice are ongoing.