Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
IN a significant development in the ongoing investigation into a series of robberies targeting Mukuru money transfer booths, two additional suspects have been brought before the court.
Norest Sasa (39) and Clive Makofa were arraigned yesterday before Harare Magistrate Mrs Tilda Mazhande, bringing the total number of accused individuals to six.
The magistrate has remanded the pair in custody until January 30, 2025, at which time their case will be consolidated with that of their co-accused.
The four other suspects already on remand include Joseph Bilson Makoni (30), Tatenda Madhirize (28), Ggies Siziba, and Evans Mabvakure (47), all facing similar charges.
Collectively, the gang is alleged to have executed a series of armed robberies against Mukuru money transfer booths, which serve the public by facilitating money transfers.
They are charged with seven counts of robbery and one count of unlawful possession of explosives.
Clever Chada, an alleged accomplice, appeared in court on Monday, where he admitted to two counts of armed robbery and one count of possessing explosives without a permit.
He is also facing five additional robbery charges, which he denies. Magistrate Mazhande has remanded Chada in custody and scheduled a referral to the plea court on January 30 regarding the charges he has acknowledged.
Prosecutor Mr Anesu Chirenje disclosed that Chada, in collaboration with his accomplices, orchestrated a series of armed robberies targeting Mukuru booths throughout Harare and its surrounding areas.
The court was informed that the gang instilled fear in their victims by brandishing firearms and stealing significant sums of cash during their operations.
On December 16, 2024, Chada and his accomplices allegedly raided the Mukuru Money Transfer booth at Glen View 2 Shopping Centre.
Arriving in a black Toyota Mark X, they discharged shots into the air, inciting panic among clients and staff before ordering everyone to the ground.
They confronted booth operator Tawanda Tagara, demanding cash, and subsequently fled with US$1,839 and R2,350.
Additionally, a client named Proud Muchairi was robbed of his wallet containing US$950.
The gang reportedly struck again on December 20, 2024, at a Mukuru booth in Mabvuku, and got awaywith US$1 374 and R22 000.
On January 3, 2025, they targeted employees Munyaradzi Rusere and Sarafina Banda at a Mukuru booth in Manyame, stealing two cash boxes containing US$5 530 and R18 700, along with an extra US$680 from an EcoCash booth.
Most recently, on January 11, 2025, they targeted another Mukuru booth in Beatrice, where armed with a pistol, they coerced staff members Simbarashe Mutiranduwa and Tatenda Muchenje into surrendering cash, making off with US$3 500 and cellphones valued at US$4 050.
To date, none of the stolen funds have been recovered.
