Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
A THIRD suspected member of a gang accused of orchestrating a high-stakes theft of US$128 000 by blasting open the strong room at a property company, has been arrested.
Themba Mugabe made his appearance before Harare Magistrate Mr Isheunesu Matova yesterday, facing charges of unlawful entry and theft.
Mugabe, who has been remanded in custody, will return to court today for a bail application hearing.
The State alleges that Mugabe was part of a gang of 10 that on October 28 last year raided the offices of Pam Golding Holdings in Avondale, Harare.
The alleged robbery gang reportedly consisted of Augustine Takawira Makuwe and Gilbert Zulu, both of whom are already in custody, as well as John Mafana and six other suspects still at large.
According to the prosecution, the gang gained entry into the premises by forcibly opening a kitchen door with an unidentified tool. Once inside, they detonated dynamite to breach a secure strong room, where a cash box containing US$128 000 was stored. The gang fled the scene with the money.
Investigations quickly unravelled the plot, with reliable sources implicating Mugabe in the crime. Incriminating evidence from his co-accused, Makuwe and Zulu, further tied him to the robbery. Mugabe was apprehended while attempting to flee.
During questioning at CID Marlborough, Mugabe is said to have confessed to being the gang’s reconnaissance operative.
He admitted to scouting potential targets, including Pam Golding Properties’ branches and several churches.
His confession allegedly extended to other break-ins in Marlborough, Avondale, Borrowdale, and Highlands, all carried out with the same accomplices.
In a dramatic turn of events, Mugabe led detectives back to the crime scene in Avondale. There, he reportedly retraced the gang’s steps, demonstrating how they gained entry and carried out the heist.
The case is being prosecuted by Mr Rufaro Chonzi as investigations continue to unravel the full extent of the gang’s criminal activities.
