THE suspected Zimbabwean ring leader of a notorious robbery and carjacking gang, who allegedly killed a woman last week and hijacked her boyfriend’s car in Botswana, is reported to have been arrested by that country’s police, who are still hunting for his accomplices.
Botswana media reports state that Bruce Masuku (31) of Bulawayo was arrested near Maitengwe village. He was arraigned before Francistown principal magistrate Christian Thebeetsile Mulalu facing two counts of carjacking and murder.
Police in Botswana have vowed to intensify their search for Masuku’s accomplices and believe they will arrest them in no time.
The murder of the woman, who has not yet been identified, happened after her boyfriend gave a lift to Masuku and his colleagues from Nata to Francistown.
The woman was reportedly killed at Sebina village, when the driver told them he was dropping off his siblings in the village.
Masuku is alleged to have pulled the trigger and killed the driver’s girlfriend, who was seven months pregnant at the time, before speeding off with his Isuzu.
The Botswana Voice reported that the carjackers allegedly abandoned the car near Francistown International Airport after they were stopped at a roadblock by the police.
When Masuku appeared in court, he was not asked to plead to the two counts, as investigations into the matter are still ongoing.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Prosecutor Gasemotho Pitlagano asked the court to lock Masuku up saying he was a flight risk since he was a foreigner.
He said his other co-accused, who are still at large, were likely to interfere with investigations.
“Releasing him at this juncture might make it difficult for the police to arrest the other two suspects,” Pitlagano said.
Masuku is wanted for other crimes he allegedly committed before disappearing.
“When he is not in custody, it will be very difficult for police investigations to be conducted in a smooth way,” Pitlagano said.
“There is a likelihood that he will communicate with other suspects when he is granted bail.”
The magistrate remanded the matter to February 20.
