Five Harare men were last week arrested and charged with armed robbery after they allegedly pounced at Proceeds Company, situated along Robson Manyika Avenue in Harare, and made off with a safe containing over $54 000.
It is alleged after breaking the safe open, the robbers shared the cash and allegedly bought three cars which were eventually recovered by police upon their arrest.
The incident is said to have occurred on August 1, when Stephen Matanhire (42), Taurai Dzingai (44), Sebastian Mupambwi (32), David Munetsi (38) and George Chindomu (42) allegedly teamed up with one Tapera Nyamayaro, who is still at large, and connived to rob the company.
Armed with a pistol, the six allegedly broke the main gate and gained entry into the premises where they grabbed the security guard, tied his hands and legs before locking him in the toilet. It is alleged they proceeded to the main shop and broke into the offices where they allegedly stole the safe containing $54 671 and loaded it into their getaway car.
The State alleges the gang then proceeded to house number 14 Pearl Road, Sunridge, Harare, where they allegedly broke the safe and shared the loot.
However, police received a tip-off and tracked them down leading to their arrest and the subsequent recovery of three vehicles suspected to have been bought from the robbery proceeds.
They were not asked to plead when they appeared before Harare magistrate Donald Ndirowei facing a robbery charge and were remanded in custody. They were, however, advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
