Robbers raid Chinese national, vanish with US$160k...

Robbers raid Chinese national, vanish with US$160k in cash and gold

Munyaradzi Mashiri – Court Correspondent

A 52-year-old Harare man has appeared in court facing charges of armed robbery involving gold and cash worth US$160 000.

David Nyikauru was arraigned at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on allegations that he, along with accomplices, robbed a Chinese national of US$120,000 in cash and 500 grams of gold. He was remanded in custody to April 24.

The complainant, Chen Hai Tian ,39, was targeted at his premises on December 6, 2024, around 8:50 PM. The court heard that Nyikauru and his alleged accomplices—Silvanos Sithole, Lloyd Mushunje, Ranganai Mushohwe, Brighton Ndihana, and others still at large—scaled the precast wall to gain entry into the property.

Armed with unidentified pistols, the group is said to have overpowered the security guard, Vhukile Dhlakama, and forced him into the office where the complainant was. They allegedly manhandled everyone present and coerced the complainant into opening the safe.

The suspects reportedly made off with US$120,000 in cash and 500 grams of smelted gold. The total value of the stolen property is estimated at US$160,000. Nothing has been recovered.

The matter was reported at ZRP Five Avenue, and investigations led to Nyikauru's arrest on January 9 after CID Homicide detectives received a tip-off linking him to the robbery.