Suspected armed robber denied bail

Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent

A suspected armed robber, allegedly part of a gang that stole over US$4 000, has been denied bail by the Harare Magistrate’s Court.

Douglas Mutenda ,35, of Msasa Park New Stands appeared before magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa facing robbery charges. He was remanded in custody to March 24 and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

According to prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti, on November 22, 2024, around 2 AM, Mutenda teamed up with Farai Chirimaunga, Brighton Ndihana — both already in custody — Ignitious Bumhira alias Sensee, and other unidentified accomplices.

The gang allegedly scaled the precast wall at the home of complainant Albert Mavura to gain entry into the yard.

Armed with a pistol, machete, and iron bars, the robbers reportedly broke down the door to Mavura’s bedroom, where he was sleeping with his wife. They pointed a pistol at Mavura and ordered the couple to cover their faces with blankets.

The gang demanded money and phones, prompting Mavura to direct them to cash in a table drawer and his wife’s handbag.

They allegedly made off with US$4,870, three iPhones, a machete, a pick, a wig, and a pair of black safety shoes.

The robbers are also accused of looting the lounge, taking eight sets of cutlery, a brown cap inscribed "Tasmanian Devil," three kitchen knives, and a silver pot before fleeing.

The total value of the stolen property is pegged at US$6,153, none of which has been recovered.

Following a report filed at ZRP Warren Park, detectives from CID Homicide Harare arrested Mutenda on March 17 after receiving information linking him to the crime.

He was booked from Harare Remand Prison and led detectives to the crime scene, where he made formal indications under video recording.