Rutendo Chirume
MASVINGO – A 42-year-old South African national accused of taking part in the armed robbery at prominent Apostolic leader and businessman Alderman Against Chiteme’s residence has been remanded in custody to July 17.
Alex Mkhatshwa appeared before Magistrate Innocent Bepura on July 3 while under guard at Masvingo Provincial Hospital and was denied bail.
The robbery suspect broke both legs after being attacked by Chiteme as his other accomplices fled from the scene.
The court heard that Mkhatshwa, who is unemployed and resides in Johannesburg, South Africa, allegedly entered Zimbabwe illegally through an undesignated crossing point along the Limpopo River before participating in the robbery with seven accomplices who are still at large.
The case comes as residents in Masvingo are expressing growing concern over a series of armed robberies targeting homes and businesses. A message circulated in the Rujeko Crime Watch WhatsApp group on Thursday claimed that seven suspected robbers pounced at Manyama Business Center and made good their escape with $3,000
However, police had not confirmed the alleged robbery or any possible link between that incident and the seven suspects still being sought in the Chiteme armed robbery case by the time of publication.
According to the State, the accused and his accomplices struck at Chiteme’s house in Zimre Park at around 2am on July 2.
The gang allegedly poisoned the complainant’s dogs before forcing open a locked kitchen door to gain entry into the house.
Once inside, the robbers, who were allegedly armed with two pistols, assaulted Chiteme with a pick handle on both legs while another suspect struck him on the back with an iron bar as they demanded cash.
The gang allegedly stole US$300 in cash, a Samsung S26 cellphone, a Samsung S25 cellphone, a Samsung A26 cellphone, a GTel cellphone belonging to the complainant’s daughter, as well as various clothes and shoes.
Court papers state that the total value of the stolen property is US$10,000, while property worth US$300 was recovered from Mkhatshwa following his arrest.
The State opposed bail, arguing that Mkhatshwa is a foreign national of no fixed aboard, family ties or lawful documentation in Zimbabwe, making him a flight risk. Prosecutors also submitted that he allegedly entered the country illegally and could easily return to South Africa if released on bail.
Liberty Hove prosecuted.
