THREE suspected armed robbers, who were recently arrested after a shootout with police in Bulawayo’s Fourwinds suburb, remained behind bars yesterday after magistrate Marygold Ndlovu remanded them in custody to September 13.
Nkosilathi Ncube, 42 of Gwanda, Mthokozisi Moyo, 37 from Plumtree and Makhosi Bryan Nkomo, 31 of Mpopoma suburb, are accused of committing a spate of armed robbery cases between October last year and early this month.
Ncube is still admitted at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) after sustaining gunshot wounds, while Thamsanqa Mpofu, Arnold Mpofu and Nomore Hove were all killed during the shootout with police.
Allegations against the three are that on October 15, at around 7pm, they proceeded to house number 5523 Cowdray Park and attacked Betty Moyo, while armed with a pistol, an axe and a machete.
“They knocked at Moyo’s door and when she opened they struck her on the head with the back of an axe.
“They dragged her to the bedroom and demanded money. They stole ZAR44 400 and two cellphones and fled the scene.
“On October 19, using the same modus operandi, they proceeded to Lewis Simbi’s house and demanded money.
“Simbi tried to resist and Nkomo fired a warning shot into the bathroom threatening to kill him.
“They were then given a bag containing ZAR41 000, a power bank, charger and the house spare keys.
“On October 23, 2020, they attacked one Nokuthula Dube around midnight at her residential home in Khumalo suburb where they got away with US$34 000, ZAR210 000 and a 9mm Luger pistol,” the court heard.
It is further alleged that on April 27, this year, Nkomo and seven other accomplices who are still at large, intercepted Romicon security company motor vehicle at Choppies Supermarket in Parklands suburb where it was collecting cash.
“They fired gunshots and disarmed the security guards before stealing cash boxes containing $194 287, US$11 315 and ZAR35 595.
“The accused persons had two cars, a Ford, in which they loaded their loot and a Honda Fit which was being driven by Nkomo.”
The three reportedly committed further crimes, which are also part of the charge sheet.