Three Zimbabwe National Army members, accused of unleashing a wave of violent robberies in Fort Rixon, have appeared in court facing five counts of robbery.
Hamlet Mlotshwa (21), Iphithule Mlotshwa (24) and Hawulezwe Mlotshwa (25) appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Lungile Ncube last week.
The trio pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted US$100 bail each.
The three, who were being represented by Dominic Moyo of Tashaya Law Chambers, were ordered to report to a police station every Friday. They were also instructed not to interfere with State witnesses and to remain at the residential addresses provided until the matter is finalised.
Prosecutor Sehliselo Khumalo told the court that on December 24 last year, shortly after midnight, the accused allegedly dressed in Zimbabwe National Army camouflage stormed Claremont Mine Compound.
Acting in common purpose, the accused allegedly forced entry to a bedroom hut while armed with handcuffs, a torch and an electric shocker, and stole a cellphone and US$400.
Hours later, at around 3am, the trio allegedly targeted another home within the same compound. Armed with an axe, knife, handcuffs and an electric shocker, they allegedly kicked open the door of artisanal miner Trust Ndlovu's house before pouring water on him while demanding cash. Although no money was stolen, they allegedly got away with his SQ 1000 cellphone.
The court further heard that the robbery spree continued until December 25.
At around 2am, Bukhosi Mkandla (28) was awoken when the suspects forced open his bedroom door. The trio reportedly threatened him with a knife before robbing him of US$350.
About an hour later, the accused allegedly attacked Atlia Nyathi (27) at Claremont business centre. They allegedly struck him on the head and repeatedly kicked him before robbing him of US$1 200.
