Zimbabwe High Court: Makaripe, Mukambachaza Face Xinda Castings Armed Robbery

• Tinei Makaripe and Pungurai Mukambachaza have been remanded on armed robbery charges following a US$108,000 heist at Xinda Castings in Ruwa.
• Makaripe was apprehended at the scene after being struck by a brick, while Mukambachaza was later arrested at his home where US$4,900 was recovered.
• A third suspect, Gabriel Mukambachaza, was arrested in Rusape, with police recovering US$5,000, two pistols, and other implements.
• The State has also linked Makaripe and Pungurai Mukambachaza to two previous armed robberies in Glaudina and Msasa.
• The accused have been advised to seek bail through the High Court due to the serious nature of the charges.

The State has further connected the initial pair, Tinei Makaripe and Pungurai Mukambachaza, to two earlier armed robberies, indicating a broader pattern of alleged criminal activity that could significantly influence their legal proceedings.

The Xinda Castings facility in Ruwa became the scene of a significant armed robbery on September 13, where a gang, reportedly armed with pistols, made off with US$108,000. The perpetrators allegedly gained entry by scaling the perimeter wall, then donned company work suits and helmets to disguise themselves. They proceeded to force two employees to guide them to the offices, where they confronted Chinese national Zhan Lingyue before ransacking the premises and escaping with a satchel containing the substantial sum.

During their escape, alert workers pursued the fleeing robbers, pelting them with stones. This pursuit led to the capture of Tinei Makaripe, 43, from Stoneridge, who was struck by a brick and collapsed, allowing employees to apprehend him while his accomplices managed to get away. Subsequent police investigations led to the arrest of Pungurai Mukambachaza, 49, of Pomona City, at his residence, where authorities recovered US$4,900 believed to be part of the stolen funds.

Both Makaripe and Mukambachaza have since appeared before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, facing charges of armed robbery. Given the gravity of the allegations, they were advised that any application for bail would need to be lodged with the High Court, a standard procedural requirement for serious offenses of this nature in Zimbabwe. The prosecution maintains that the two acted in concert with other individuals who are still at large.

The police investigation into the Xinda Castings armed robbery has broadened, leading to the arrest of a third suspect, Gabriel Mukambachaza, 41. He was apprehended at his rural home in Rusape earlier this week, marking a significant development in the ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal network. Authorities recovered a substantial cache of items from his location, including US$5,000 in cash, two pistols—specifically, a Star pistol loaded with one round and a Tokarev pistol containing seven rounds—along with handcuffs, fuse cables, explosives, and three balaclavas.

These recovered items suggest a sophisticated level of planning and execution for the alleged robberies. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that while three suspects are now in custody, four additional individuals believed to be part of the gang remain at large. These outstanding suspects have been identified as Khule Diva, a suspect using the name Mambo Dhuterere (who police have clarified is not the popular gospel musician), Kasongo, and Senior Gama, and police continue their efforts to locate and apprehend them. The ongoing nature of the investigation underscores the police's commitment to bringing all involved parties to justice.

The State has further connected the initial pair, Tinei Makaripe and Pungurai Mukambachaza, to two earlier armed robberies, indicating a broader pattern of alleged criminal activity that could significantly influence their legal proceedings. One of these incidents occurred on June 22, when the duo is accused of robbing the Redan Service Station in Glaudina at gunpoint. During this alleged heist, they reportedly stole US$500, various fuel coupons, and a mobile phone from a security guard.

Another incident linked to the suspects took place just a day before the Xinda Castings robbery, on September 12. On this occasion, they allegedly broke into offices at Kurima Centre in Msasa. The group was reportedly armed with pistols, iron bars, machetes, and a bolt cutter, suggesting an intent to force entry and overcome resistance. However, their attempt was thwarted when a Safeguard reaction team arrived on the scene, causing the perpetrators to flee empty-handed. These connections highlight the police's capacity to link suspects to multiple prior incidents, which can significantly impact defense strategies.

The charges faced by Tinei Makaripe and Pungurai Mukambachaza, particularly armed robbery, are considered extremely serious under Zimbabwean law. This is reflected in the procedural requirement that any bail application must be heard and determined by the High Court, rather than a lower magistrate's court. This stipulation underscores the judiciary's approach to offenses involving violence and the use of weapons, which are viewed with particular gravity.

For criminal defense lawyers in Zimbabwe, this case exemplifies the critical need to understand the specific jurisdictional requirements for bail in serious armed robbery cases. Furthermore, the police's success in linking the accused to multiple prior incidents—including the Redan Service Station and Kurima Centre robberies—demonstrates law enforcement's investigative capabilities. Such linkages can complicate defense arguments, as they may suggest a pattern of behavior or common purpose, potentially influencing the court's perception of the accused's propensity to commit further offenses or abscond if granted bail. The recovery of weapons and other implements from Gabriel Mukambachaza further strengthens the prosecution's case, adding layers of complexity for the defense.

Criminal defense lawyers in Zimbabwe should note the procedural requirement for High Court bail applications in serious armed robbery cases and the police's capacity to link suspects to multiple prior incidents, impacting defense strategies.

Source: Original reporting via local media outlets