MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-The National Prosecuting Authority yesterday has dropped the five counts of robberies and assault charges against two sons of former Zanu-PF councilor and Mkoba parliamentary candidate Charles Simbi.
Nyasha Osward Simbi and Alex Simbi, alongside Kimpton Sibanda, Takudzwa Nyoni, Hercluse Nhongo, Bright Ndlovu and Samu Sibanda had their charges withdrawn before plea.
The seven appeared before regional Magistrate Christopher Maturure who ordered the state to proceed by way of summons when their house is in order.
The withdrawal comes after the arresting officer one Sergeant Kizito Mahachi failed to provide his recorded statement to the state.
It was the state case that on February 8, 2025, around 3am, the accused persons armed with machetes, knobkerries, sjamboks and a pistol pounced on Shepherd Kutse, Irvine Mundezha, Norman Mahlani and Evans Mutume’ s residents where they are alleged to have assaulted them before demanding cash and gold.
The group were accused of robbing Kutse and Mahlani Samsung S33 and Samsung S23 cellphones respectively.
The state alleged that they assaulted Ndlovu, took 35 litres of diesel, Y20 jack hammer and stolen goods worth US$743.
They were represented by Gweru lawyer Esau Mandipa.
