Chiredzi magistrate Judith Zuyu yesterday remanded four armed robbers who robbed passengers in a south African bound bus Blue Circle Bus and walked away with ZAR 62,070 and US$8,621.
The armed robbers Saul Dadirai (23), Ashton Siziva (26), Talent Mlauzi (20) and Pheneas Shumba, a member of the Zimbabwe National Army stationed at Inkomo Baracks Mounted Unit, Darwendale, Harare, were all remanded in custody after having pleaded not guilty to robbery chargesIt was the State’s case led by Tinango Tanya that on the 5th of April 2024 Shumba was arrested by CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit, Beitbridge for unlawful possession of 2 pieces of unmarked raw ivory weighing 17,36 kilograms and valued at USD2 951,20 in violation of section 82[1] of Statutory Instrument 362/90 as read with section 128[b] of the Parks and Wildlife Act, Chapter 20:14 as amended in section 11 of General Law Amendment Act 5/2011.
Shumba is on bail pending trial on the ZRP Makhado CR.05/04/24, CID MFFU Beitbridge DR. 07/04/24,and Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court CRB BTB 469/70 refers. However, only a fraction of the stolen cash, valued at ZAR 7,000 and US$500, was recovered when the gang was arrested. Chiredzi prosecutor Tinango Tanya opposed bail as one of the accused has a pending case at the Beitbridge Court. Meanwhile Dadirai has pleaded guilty to the robbery and is expected to be sentenced tomorrow.
