Amnesty beneficiary faces fresh charges

Yeukai Karengezeka

Court Correspondent

A man released in April this year under Presidential Amnesty is back in court facing fresh charges of robbery.

Shepherd Chenga (40) appeared before Harare Magistrate Mr Isheanesu Matova on Friday, charged with a robbery allegedly committed in November this year.

Investigating officer Sergeant Murangwa Mutize opposed bail, arguing that Chenga was a habitual offender.

“Chenga was released under Presidential Amnesty on April 17, 2024. His reoffending clearly shows that he is an unrepentant criminal,” said Sgt Mutize.

The officer further explained that Chenga nearly escaped arrest for the alleged crime, while his accomplices were apprehended at the scene.

“When I arrested him, he attempted to flee, but my colleague and I managed to apprehend him. This shows he is a flight risk,” he added.

Sgt Mutize also noted that Chenga had another pending robbery case in Mabvuku, where he allegedly committed an offence with a different group of robbers. This, he argued, indicates that granting him bail would likely result in further offences.

Chenga also consented to his denial of bail by the State which was also confirmed by the presiding magistrate.

He was remanded to January 6.

Prosecutor Mr Tafadzwa Jambawu told the court that Chenga and his accomplices planned to rob  Tawanda Brian Dzvoti and Violet Dzvoti last month.

On the night of November 26, the gang armed themselves with an iron bar, a catapult, and knives. They travelled to the complainants’ residence in a Toyota Wish, registration number AFH 7704.

Upon arrival, they forced open the gate to gain entry into the yard. The gang then broke open the kitchen door and screen gate to access the house.

The robbers stole US$1 020 and R3 700, a Samsung S23 Ultra cell phone, a Samsung tablet, a Proline notebook laptop and four bottles of wine. Two of Chenga’s accomplices were arrested at the scene, but Chenga managed to escape. He was later apprehended after police tracked him .