Zanu (PF) provincial secretary for economic affairs in Manicaland, Lovemore Madiziyayo, and prominent Rusape businessman, Nathaniel Garai Mhiripiri, have been arrested for allegedly hiring out their guns to the gang that stole US$115 000 from ZB Banks Juliasdale branch. The pair was fingered by two suspects who are currently in custody. It is alleged that the pair was given US$5 000 each as their share of the loot for providing the guns.
Prosecutor Phyllis Zvenyika has alleged that the two together with John Teremayi alias John Cena Katsande, Bright Madanhi and Tafadzwa Nindi hatched a plan to rob ZB Banks Juliasdale branch in Nyanga. On March 17 this year, Madiziyawo gave his unlicensed Webley and Scott pistol with two rounds while Mhiripiri handed over his licensed Taurus 38 revolver with six rounds to their alleged accomplices, the State contends. On March 18 Teremayi, Madanhi and Nindi went to ZB Bank leaving the two behind in Rusape fearing that they could easily be identified since they are prominent figures in Manicaland.
The gang allegedly pulled out the pistols on entering the bank and ordered everyone, including the guard, to lie down before spraying their faces with pepper spray. It is alleged they disarmed the guard of his pistol and stole five cell phones and US$116 000 and R14 000. The State alleges the three went to Rusape to meet Madiziyawo and Mhiripiri.
Post published in: News