Police— A machete-wielding man accused of breaking into a woman’s bedroom in the dead of night and stealing cash and personal belongings appeared before Plumtree Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, facing charges of robbery.
The accused, 26-year-old Meison Ncube, stood before Magistrate Joshua Nembaware, where the court heard that he had allegedly carried out the brazen attack on September 15. Ncube was remanded in custody until October 6, when the matter will be further heard.
According to the prosecution, around midnight on the night in question, Ncube allegedly broke into the home of 52-year-old Jerina Zebeni Mungombe. Eyewitness accounts presented in court indicated that the suspect forced entry into her bedroom and threatened her with a machete before making off with several items.
The stolen property reportedly included cash, clothing, a cellphone, and a power bank. The attack, described by neighbours as shocking and unsettling, occurred in a normally peaceful residential area, raising concerns about security in the community.
Ms Mungombe, the complainant, gave a statement to police recounting a harrowing ordeal in which she was woken by noise late at night, only to find a man armed with a large machete in her room. “It was terrifying,” she reportedly said. “I could not think clearly. He demanded money and belongings, and I just complied out of fear.”
Police Apprehend Midnight Theft Suspect
The matter was investigated by the Plumtree Police, who launched a manhunt for the suspect. It was reported that police traced the stolen cellphone through service providers and surveillance footage from local shops, which led them to Ncube.
On September 22, the accused was arrested while at a local shop, where he was reportedly attempting to reset the stolen phone — a move that drew attention from authorities.
The arrest was described by the prosecution as the result of effective police work and community cooperation. “It was a coordinated effort between police and the community,” said the prosecuting officer, Sheila Nyathi. “The victim’s courage in reporting the crime, combined with swift police response, led to the arrest of the suspect.”
At Thursday’s hearing, Magistrate Nembaware remanded Ncube in custody to October 6 to allow for further investigations and the formal filing of charges. The suspect faces robbery with aggravating circumstances, a serious offence that carries severe penalties upon conviction.
The accused, who was not represented by legal counsel at the hearing, denied the charges through the court process but did not give further comment. His case has been adjourned, pending further police investigations and the preparation of the prosecution’s evidence.
The incident has stirred unease among Plumtree residents, who expressed concern over safety, especially during late hours. Neighbours have called for increased police patrols and better lighting in the area to deter such criminal activity.
“This is a shocking event for our community,” said one resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We live in fear now. Everyone is locking doors earlier and being more cautious. We need more police presence to prevent such crimes.”
Local authorities have acknowledged the concerns and assured the public that they are taking steps to improve security. The Plumtree police station issued a statement urging residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious behaviour, and assist in crime prevention through community policing efforts.
If convicted, Ncube could face a lengthy prison sentence, given the nature of the offence and the aggravating factors, such as the use of a weapon during the robbery. Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act stipulates heavy penalties for aggravated robbery, especially when it involves personal harm or threats to life.
Robbery cases of this nature often attract significant attention because of their impact on community safety and the fear they instil in the public. Legal experts point out that swift arrests and fair trials are crucial to restoring public confidence in the justice system.
The case of Meison Ncube serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by violent crime and the importance of community vigilance and effective policing. As Plumtree awaits the next court date, residents remain hopeful that justice will be served and that their neighbourhood can return to a sense of normalcy and security.
Source- Bulawayo24
