A gang of four suspected armed robbers accused of violently assaulting a couple in Centenary, Mashonaland Central Province, before robbing them of cash and vehicles, has been brought before the courts.
The suspects — identified as Tapiwa Nyakasaka (32), Bright Murombedzi (35), Lucktoy Tongogara (34), and Ivy Mujeka (38) — appeared yesterday at the Bindura Regional Magistrates’ Court facing charges of armed robbery. They were remanded in custody pending trial.
According to state submissions, the accused carried out the brazen attack in the early hours of August 2, leaving the victims traumatised and the community shocked by the level of violence used.
Prosecutors told the court that at around 2:00 a.m., the quartet stormed the home of Givemore Murima and his wife in Gatu township, Centenary. The gang was reportedly armed with a pistol, a button stick, and a large spanner, which they used to intimidate and assault the couple.
The attackers demanded money, threatening the victims with severe harm if they did not comply. Under duress, Mrs. Murima allegedly handed over US$400, while her husband surrendered US$700.
Not satisfied with the money, the armed robbers continued to assault the couple before turning their attention to a chilling ploy. They allegedly forced Mrs. Murima to telephone her brother-in-law, falsely claiming that her husband had suddenly fallen ill and needed immediate assistance.
Four Armed Robbers Remanded in Custody After Violent Centenary Attack
When the unsuspecting brother-in-law arrived at the residence to check on his “sick” relative, he too fell victim to the gang. According to the state, the robbers ambushed him, demanding money, and stripped him of his valuables.
The victims, shaken and terrified, were left nursing injuries and financial losses after the ordeal. It is alleged the gang fled the scene with both cash and vehicles, leaving the family reeling from the attack.
Following swift police investigations, Nyakasaka was tracked down and arrested in Harare. Authorities managed to recover one of the stolen vehicles, which had been abandoned in Kuwadzana, stripped of its number plates in an apparent attempt to conceal evidence.
The arrest of Nyakasaka reportedly led to the identification of his alleged accomplices — Murombedzi, Tongogara, and Mujeka — who were also taken into custody. Police sources said the recovery of the vehicle was a breakthrough in linking the suspects to the Centenary robbery.
During their appearance at the Bindura Regional Magistrates’ Court, the four accused stood quietly as charges of armed robbery were read out. The prosecution insisted on their continued detention, citing the seriousness of the crime, the use of firearms, and the risk of interference with witnesses.
The magistrate granted the state’s application, remanding all four in custody while investigations continue. Their next court date is expected to be set within the coming weeks.
The violent nature of the robbery has unsettled the normally quiet township of Gatu in Centenary. Residents who spoke to The Mirror on condition of anonymity described the ordeal as “terrifying” and expressed relief that the suspects had been apprehended.
“People here are very worried. To think that armed robbers can attack families in the dead of night is frightening. We are only at peace now because the suspects were caught,” said one resident.
Another neighbour noted that the incident had left the Murima family traumatised: “This was not just a robbery; it was a calculated attack that left emotional scars. It will take time for them to recover.”
Police in Mashonaland Central have urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements. Armed robbery has become an increasing concern in various parts of the country, with gangs often targeting homes and businesses in search of cash and vehicles.
Law enforcement authorities say they are intensifying operations to curb such crimes. “We are committed to ensuring that armed criminals face the full wrath of the law,” a police source close to the case said.
As the case progresses, legal observers note that the charges carry heavy penalties if the suspects are convicted. Under Zimbabwean law, armed robbery is classified as a serious offence that can attract lengthy prison sentences, particularly when firearms and violence are involved.
For now, the four accused remain behind bars, awaiting their day in court. The Murima family, meanwhile, continues to recover from the traumatic events of August 2, hopeful that justice will soon be served.
Source- Bulawayo24
