Armed robbers on a 60-year jail term back in court

TWO men who are serving a combined sentence of more than 60 years for committing a spate of armed robberies, including raiding Minister Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga's house in 2009, were yesterday back in court facing fresh charges.

Stephen Zimowa (38) and Asani Chikwanda (31) were not formally charged when they appeared before regional magistrate Mr Clever Tsikwa, who remanded them in custody to July 12.

The complainant is Aaron Makuyana of Bindura.

Prosecutor Ms Tracy Mundanga alleges that on July 25, 2009 between 0300hrs and 0100hrs the pair teamed up with Crispen Sibanda, who has already been convicted on the same matter.

They allegedly went to Chavagove Store in Bindura where upon arrival they woke up Makuyana and identified themselves as police officers on patrol in the area.

When Makuyana opened the door, Sibanda, who was armed with an AK-47 rifle, pointed it at the complainant and demanded keys to the shop, it is alleged.

The State says Makuyana handed them the keys and the armed robbers covered him and other people who were in the house with blankets.

The gang is alleged to have ransacked the shop and got away with property and goods.

Police were tipped and recovered groceries and an electric inverter from Zimowa, who led detectives to Kahari Villa, Bindura, where some groceries were recovered.

Police also recovered a Phillips radio. All the property stolen valued at US$252,30.

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