The ManicaPost
Abel Zhakata Senior Reporter
THE trial of fugitive suspected armed robbers who disappeared following a heist in Rusape in which they allegedly robbed a supermarket of goods worth $1 500 at gunpoint began at the Rusape Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.
Trinity Chimina and Tawaziwa Manyere appeared before regional magistrate, Mr Livingstone Chipadza, while district public prosecutor, Mr Tirivanhu Mutyasira represented the State.
The duo were part of a four-member gang that included a 75-year-old grandpa and another accomplice who have since been convicted and jailed after pleading guilty to the crime.
Chimina and Manyere were fugitives from justice and were recently arrested by detectives.
Mr Mutyasira told the court that the crimes were committed in February this year. Allegations were that the suspects and their jailed accomplices arrived at Mazikana Store while onboard a Mazda B1800 truck white in colour.
They were wearing masks on their faces.
“Upon arrival, they parked their vehicle in front of the complainant’s shop.
“One of the robbers entered into the shop holding an FN rifle and fired two shots on the shop ceiling. He ordered all patrons who were drinking beer to get out of the shop,” said Mr Mutyasira.
He added: “Chimina and Tawaziwa entered into the shop and looted various groceries and loaded them in the vehicle which they had parked outside the shop.
“The quartet sped off and shared the groceries among themselves. They dumped the vehicle in Wedza. On March 3, Onwell Mutsinziri was arrested by CID detectives from Marondera and the FN rifle and the Mazda 1800 which they used to commit the offence was recovered.
“On March 7, Tofarasei Chimina was arrested. He was interviewed and admitted to the charge. He implicated Trinity Chimina as his accomplice,” said Mr Mutyasira.
