FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-Three men accused of committing a series of armed robberies in Masvingo appeared before the Masvingo Regional Court today facing six counts of armed robbery and unlawful entry into premises.
The trio, Michael Musaruro (38), Evans Mlobisi Nyathi (30) and Livison Kufandikumwe, also known as Livison Rashayi (44) were remanded in custody to 28 July 2026 by Masvingo Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura.
The State was led by Nixon Chamisa.
Musaruro appeared in court in an apparently unstable mental state, as he was seen talking to himself and refusing to sit down, claiming that the bench was full, despite his two co-accused being seated on the same bench.
The trio is facing six counts arising from alleged robberies committed at Zvehuru Business Centre and Midzi Farm in Masvingo where they allegedly used pistols and other weapons to threaten victims and steal cash, mobile phones, clothing and other valuables.
Circumstances are that on 12 December 2025 at around 0200hours, the accused allegedly raided Zvehuru Business Centre while armed with two pistols, machetes, knives, a hammer and an iron bar.
In the first count, they allegedly robbed Liosa Bvaru, taking US$300 cash after threatening her with pistols.
In the second count, the trio allegedly robbed Mercy Kuseka, who was employed as a shopkeeper by Bvaru and took US$50 cash and a Samsung cellphone.
In the third count, they allegedly attacked Kesina Madanyika, stealing US$24 cash, seven pairs of sandals, four Pritel P5602 cellphones and one Itel cellphone.
The state alleges that various groceries and six Oking cellphones were taken during the robbery.
The fourth count relates to unlawful entry into Emelda Mutasa’s tuckshop, where the accused allegedly forced open a locked door and stole various clothes and a 15-litre bucket full of dried carpenta.
The court heard that the suspects were later linked to the offences following investigations by detectives from CID Masvingo.
Musaruro was arrested in Domboshava after detectives received information linking him to the robberies and implicated his accomplices, leading to the arrest of Nyathi at Boka Bus Stop in Harare and Kufandikumwe at Mvuma Chicken Slice.
It is said that the police recovered several exhibits including an Air rifle SGMP serial number 18L40080 calibre .177/4.5mm, a BLOW F92 calibre 9mm pistol with a magazine containing three rounds, balaclavas, knives and some stolen property.
The accused also face two additional robbery counts relating to the alleged 6 May 2026 attack at Midzi Homestead, Midzi Farm where they allegedly targeted William Midzi and Candice Tanya Midzi.
The court heard that Midzi was allegedly robbed of US$900 cash, a Samsung M14 cellphone, a Samsung A06 cellphone, seven dressed chickens and four pairs of shoes after the suspects allegedly pointed pistols at him.
His daughter, Candice Tanya Midzi, was allegedly robbed of US$425 cash, a Samsung F06 cellphone and Buddie airtime valued at US$90.
The total value stolen in the Midzi Farm robbery was US$1 205 while property worth US$200 was recovered. In the robbery involving Candice Tanya Midzi, the total value stolen was placed at US$515, with property worth US$100 recovered.
The trio remains in custody and will return to court on 28 July 2026.
