Two men from Chitungwiza faced a judge yesterday after police said they robbed the in-laws of businessman Wicknell Chivayo. Peter Maramba Vhiya, 43, and Takudzwa Maisvoreva, 24, allegedly stole $74,000 from a farm in Marondera. They appeared before regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa on two robbery charges. Their lawyer, Mr Kudakwashe Munyoro, represented them during the hearing. The court told them only the High Court could grant bail in their case. They must return to court on April 10 to join their case with a third suspect.
Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti described how the men and their friends attacked Alfa and Omega Farm on March 18 around 1 am. They brought three rifles, two pistols, bolt cutters, machetes, and iron bars. They beat up security guard Petros Mabunhu, tied him up with cable ties, and forced him into the farmyard. They caught another guard named Zex Mutasa Rusike and took his shotgun. They tied him up and brought him to the front guardroom. There they captured a third guard, Medic Zhakata, and tied him up as well.
Two armed men watched the guards as others broke into the main house. They cut through the burglar screen and kitchen door with bolt cutters. Inside, they found Gerald Muteke in his bedroom. Mr. Muteke gave them $18,000 cash, a loaded Sarsilmaz pistol, and two Samsung phones. Next, they went to Vimbai Muteke's bedroom and demanded money and safe keys. She handed over $1,100, a safe key, and a Samsung Galaxy A35. The robbers then emptied the main bedroom safe, taking another $55,000.
During the robbery, Elphas Maruta came toward the house with a Lee-Enfield rifle after someone told him about the attack. He fired two shots at the robbers, who shot back three times. Then, all the thieves ran away with $74,600 in cash and valuables. Police later found stolen items worth $3,800. The court also heard about another robbery these men allegedly committed on February 25. That night, they broke into Cossam Siminya's home around 3 am. They carried pistols, whips, iron bars, and a hammer. They stole a TV, phones, cash, and other items worth $13,220 from several people at that property. Police have not recovered anything from this earlier theft.
Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti described how the men and their friends attacked Alfa and Omega Farm on March 18 around 1 am. They brought three rifles, two pistols, bolt cutters, machetes, and iron bars. They beat up security guard Petros Mabunhu, tied him up with cable ties, and forced him into the farmyard. They caught another guard named Zex Mutasa Rusike and took his shotgun. They tied him up and brought him to the front guardroom. There they captured a third guard, Medic Zhakata, and tied him up as well.
Two armed men watched the guards as others broke into the main house. They cut through the burglar screen and kitchen door with bolt cutters. Inside, they found Gerald Muteke in his bedroom. Mr. Muteke gave them $18,000 cash, a loaded Sarsilmaz pistol, and two Samsung phones. Next, they went to Vimbai Muteke's bedroom and demanded money and safe keys. She handed over $1,100, a safe key, and a Samsung Galaxy A35. The robbers then emptied the main bedroom safe, taking another $55,000.
During the robbery, Elphas Maruta came toward the house with a Lee-Enfield rifle after someone told him about the attack. He fired two shots at the robbers, who shot back three times. Then, all the thieves ran away with $74,600 in cash and valuables. Police later found stolen items worth $3,800. The court also heard about another robbery these men allegedly committed on February 25. That night, they broke into Cossam Siminya's home around 3 am. They carried pistols, whips, iron bars, and a hammer. They stole a TV, phones, cash, and other items worth $13,220 from several people at that property. Police have not recovered anything from this earlier theft.
