Gang' s getaway driver nabbed after US$100k heist

Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent

An accomplice in the robbery of US$129,111 at Meru Service Station has been arraigned in court.

Kudakwashe Dzapasi, 42, of Glen Norah B, appeared before Harare Magistrate Tilda Mazhande, facing charges of armed robbery. He was remanded in custody until March 21.

According to prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti, on March 3, at around 10:30 AM, Dzapasi, along with his alleged accomplices—Willard Zvinorukwa, Ernest Manzunzu, Boniface Masora, Simbarashe Vheremu, Munyaradzi Gurure, Mike Mutumba, and others still at large—armed themselves with a 9mm Star pistol (serial number 53634) and machetes before heading to Meru Service Station in Kuwadzana.

Dzapasi, who was driving a silver Nissan AD Van (registration number ADP 9724), and his accomplices allegedly targeted Hillary Hufa, a company cashier collecting cash from Mbare, Kuwadzana, and Whitehouse branches.

When Hufa arrived at Meru Service Station, the gang monitored him as he walked toward his company vehicle parked in the service station’s parking bays. They confronted Zindoga Jiri, a Fawcett security guard on duty, and disarmed him of his .38 revolver (serial number AA576003), which was loaded with three rounds.

The robbers then turned to Hufa, pointing a pistol at him and ordering him to drop the satchel containing US$129,111 in cash. They grabbed the money and fled in their getaway car.

On March 11, police detectives received information that Dzapasi was in the Cross Musami area of Murewa. Officers set up an ambush at Cross Musami shopping centre and arrested him.

Following his arrest, Dzapasi led police to the recovery of a Nissan AD Van valued at US$5,700, a bed worth US$180, a wardrobe valued at US$270, and a kitchen unit worth US$250—items he had allegedly purchased using the stolen money.

Authorities are still pursuing the remaining suspects.