Appearing before Harare Magistrate Archie Wochiunga Thursday, the Court heard that the four looters armed with guns and iron rods overpowered private guards posted for the security of Consular Secretary for the Embassy of Australia, Karl Markhadt and entered the building at around 1:15 am.
According to court records the group had attempted to make off with Z$37 billion in cash, a laptop computer, a few clothes and furniture from Markhadt’s Number 24 Rayam Road in Rhodesville. They were spotted by cycle patrol police and arrested, but two of the alleged robbers ran away. The two who appeared in court were identified as Forbes Muchavarangwa (33) and Ernest Mandizha (29) of Dzivaresekwa. Two of their co-accused are still on the run.
Police said the looters severed the telephone line before entering the building and attacked a security guard when he tried to resist. Ambassador Makhardt was inside the building when the incident occurred, and attempted to stop the robbers, but was brutalised and then locked up in his bedroom.
Police said they had formed a team headed by a police inspector to probe the incident and ensure the safety of diplomats.
Diplomatic sources said the robbery had caused anxiety in the diplomatic community, which this week reminded the Mugabe regime of its responsibility towards diplomats. Foreign Affairs chief Simbarashe Mumbengegwi was forced to issue a formal apology and intimated that government was taking reports of intimidation towards international diplomats extremely seriously.
The four looters were arrested as they attempted to decamp with their loot, which included a computer and a mobile set from the ambassador’s residence.
The Zimbabwean heard that the embassy is renting the house.
The Zimbabwean has no information on the injury inflicted to the security guards.
But Markhadt was hospitalized at the Avenues Clinic after the brutal attack by the robbers.
We are taking the robbery extremely seriously and will be reminding the government of Zimbabwe of its responsibility to ensure the safety of diplomatic staff and their families, said a Western diplomat.
Post published in: News