Four suspected armed robbers who allegedly posed as police officers to target motorists appeared in court last week, accused of robbing victims of more than US$168,000.
Trust Jimu, 37, Tawanda Musendo, 36, Evans Chimunsi, 46, and Tafadzwa Matigimu, 34, appeared before Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa facing three counts of armed robbery.
They were advised to apply for bail at the High Court and were remanded in custody to 22 October.
The court heard that the gang, working with an accomplice who is still at large, allegedly targeted motorists parked in Harare, accused them of dangerous parking, handcuffed them and robbed them at gunpoint.
Prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe alleged that on 26 April at around 5.20 pm, the group approached Tonderai Makaluwa and Nyasha Chiponda, who were seated in a Toyota Auris at the corner of Third Street and Josiah Chinamano Street.
They allegedly introduced themselves as police officers, accused the pair of dangerous parking and ordered them to open the doors. They then handcuffed them, searched the vehicle and found a satchel containing cash.
The two were accused of money laundering and forced into the back seat. One of the accused then drove off, claiming he was taking them to CID Headquarters to surrender the money.
Instead, the court heard, he drove around the city and stopped near the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) offices along Herbert Chitepo Avenue. One of the complainants was dumped there after being told he was being taken into the ZACC offices.
The gang allegedly continued with the second complainant towards Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo Expressway, formerly Airport Road. On the way, one of the accused allegedly produced a pistol and pointed it at him, accusing him of a serious offence.
They stopped along the expressway, allegedly stole a bag containing US$164,192 and abandoned him.
In a second incident on 15 July at around 6 pm, the group allegedly targeted Oliver Tsongorera, who was seated in a Volvo at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Josiah Tongogara Avenue.
Using the same method, they allegedly claimed to be police officers, accused him of dangerous parking, handcuffed him and searched his car. They allegedly took US$700 and demanded more money via EcoCash.
Fearing for his safety, Tsongorera contacted a friend, Tanaka Musiiwa, who sent US$550 via EcoCash. The gang allegedly only released him at around 10.30pm after he had withdrawn the money.
More: H-Metro
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