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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 64421, member: 636"]
A Harare magistrate acquitted three South African men on Friday after prosecutors failed to prove their involvement in an armed robbery network linked to the deceased crime figure Godknows Machingura. Lawyer Claude Bare defended Ndiafhi Makhado, Andrew Masubelele, and Emmanuel Makamo through a trial that began in May 2024 and was marked by legal complications. Paul Zhou, a Zimbabwean accomplice, was convicted and awaits sentencing on Oct. 15.

Police arrested the group in December 2023 at an Arcadia guest house after a shootout left suspect Jabulani Ngobeni fatally wounded. Officers recovered firearms and alleged the gang planned robberies in Harare and Kwekwe. Zhou initially confessed to booking accommodations and vehicles with money from Machingura, but later claimed duress.

Defense attorney Musindo Hungwe withdrew from representing Zhou in November 2024 and cited threats from homicide detectives. Advocate Lovemore Madhuku assumed Zhou's defense after another lawyer departed under similar circumstances. Authorities questioned musician Freeman in January 2024 about connections to Machingura and suspected criminals.

Machingura died after police shot him at Morgan High School following a vehicle chase. His family disputed the official account and claimed an autopsy revealed five bullet wounds rather than one. Police Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged relatives to discuss their concerns with senior officials.
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