Two suspects have appeared in court over the murder of NPAZ driver Shingirayi Chikosha and related robbery charges. The court heard details of the killing and subsequent robberies involving multiple victims. The accused remain in custody as investigations continue.
Two men accused of murdering National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe driver Shingirayi Chikosha appeared before a Harare magistrate on charges linked to robbery and a violent killing. The suspects, Tawanda Ruzvidzo and Edmond Muzuva, were brought before the court while receiving treatment at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
The hearing was conducted by Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo at the hospital due to the condition of the accused, who are recovering from gunshot wounds sustained during their arrest. The court remanded the two in custody pending the completion of investigations.
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According to prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe, the events began on March 12 when the suspects allegedly planned to rob motorists and pedestrians along Bulawayo Road. The prosecution said the pair acted together in carrying out the crimes.
The court heard that the suspects went to Whitehouse bus terminus, where Shingirayi Chikosha arrived driving a KIA Picanto belonging to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe. The suspects allegedly posed as passengers seeking transport to Norton before entering the vehicle.
During the journey, the suspects are accused of strangling Chikosha to death. The prosecution stated that after killing him, they transported his body to an area near Lake Chivero, where it was left in a bush close to Gracelands Resort Centre in Zvimba.
After the incident, the suspects allegedly drove away using the deceased’s vehicle and took his personal belongings. The prosecution said some of these items were later dumped in Chegutu after the suspects had used the vehicle for further criminal activities.
The court was told that the suspects continued their actions by targeting other victims. While using the same vehicle, they reportedly picked up three individuals — Dickson Guza, Believe Matiza, and Darlington Matemadanda — in Chinhoyi, who were seeking transport to Karoi.
According to the prosecution, one of the suspects, seated in the passenger seat, produced a knife and threatened the victims. The three were ordered to hand over their valuables, including cash and mobile phones. Guza surrendered a smartphone, Matiza handed over US$340 and a mobile phone, and Matemadanda gave up US$480 and a phone.
The incident continued as the suspects drove towards the Maningwa farm turn-off in Chinhoyi. The prosecution said that at this point, the suspect driving the vehicle produced a firearm and threatened to shoot the victims if they resisted. The victims were then ordered to remove their clothes before the suspects drove away with their belongings.
After the suspects left, the victims sought help from a nearby farm and later reported the matter to police at ZRP Murereka. The report initiated investigations that led to tracking the suspects through one of the stolen mobile phones.
Police were able to locate and arrest the suspects, during which they sustained gunshot wounds after resisting arrest. The details of the arrest were not further outlined in court, but the injuries led to their admission at Parirenyatwa Hospital where the hearing took place.
The case remains under investigation, and the suspects are expected to return to court once inquiries are completed. Authorities have indicated that further details may emerge as the investigation progresses.
