Suspected Armed Robber, Rapist Faces Fresh Charges

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

A 32-year-old man, Itai Madhongo, who is already in custody for a spate of armed robberies and rape cases, has been arraigned at the Harare Magistrates' Courts on fresh armed robbery charges.

The court heard that on April 14, at around 2:00 AM, Madhongo, armed with a pistol and machete, allegedly broke into a house at Churu Farm, Glen View, Harare. He reportedly forced open the dining room door and confronted Priscilla Chinyanda, a housemaid sleeping in a spare bedroom with her employer's children.

Prosecutors allege Madhongo manhandled Chinyanda, ordered her to cover her head with her jersey, and threatened to kill her if she raised an alarm. He then stole various items, including a blanket, a 32-inch Samsung TV, a Bluetooth speaker, a gas tank, personal documents, and bank cards belonging to the homeowner, Tendai Mutandwa.

Madhongo was arrested on November 18 for his alleged involvement in armed robberies and rape incidents in Glen View and Glen Norah. While in custody at Harare Remand Prison, Madhongo reportedly instructed his two wives, Tsitsi Njowa and Nomatter Muguva, to destroy evidence by burning suspicious items at his house.

Instead of burning the items, the wives allegedly dumped the papers in a sewer at Churu Farm. Residents spotted the act and alerted the police, leading to the recovery of Mutandwa's Covid-19 vaccination card and other evidence.

Madhongo is scheduled to return to court on December 17, 2024.