Violent Gang Member, Armed Robber Appears in Court

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Court Correspondent

A suspected gang member accused of carrying out violent armed robberies in Harare has appeared in court facing two counts of armed robbery.

Joseph Makoni, 30, of Glen Norah A, allegedly worked with accomplices—who are still at large—to break into homes, assault homeowners, and steal cash and valuables at gunpoint.

The State alleges that on October 9, 2024, around midnight, Makoni and his gang, armed with a firearm, machetes, and a hammer, stormed a home in Dzivarasekwa Extension. They reportedly fired three shots into the air, broke down the door, and tied up the homeowner and his wife while demanding money.

After the victims handed over US$1,250, the robbers ransacked the house, stealing an additional US$2,000 and two Samsung Galaxy F13 phones before fleeing.

On October 17, around midnight, the gang allegedly struck again in Kuwadzana 5, Paddocks. Armed with a pistol and iron bars, they shattered windows and fired shots to scare off neighbors before forcing the homeowner to hand over US$1,600.

One of the robbers then climbed into the house through a window, held the homeowner at gunpoint, and demanded more valuables. The victim surrendered a bag containing multiple Huawei smartphones before the gang fled.

The stolen property is valued at US$5,460.

A police investigation led to Makoni’s arrest, while his accomplices remain on the run.

The case is before the Harare Magistrates' Court.