Gang members buy cars, spoil relatives with cash after US$720,000 Belgravia heist
Out of the six suspects, three are employees of the firm involved in the heist. While some suspects remain at large, the police have been granted an extension to apprehend the remaining gang members and conclude their investigations.
During a court appearance, Magistrate Donald Ndirowei approved the application for more time to gather evidence. The formal presentation of the case is scheduled for tomorrow.
The ages of the arrested suspects range from 23 to 31. The oldest member is Liberty Mukanganise (31), and the youngest is Washington Mangwanda (23). The other suspects include Brighton Chikukwa (28), Silence Matambo (29), Tafadzwa Richard Marondera (25), and Luke Zinyengere (28).
The loot obtained from the heist allegedly consisted of US$720,676, R10,500, and €120 in cash, as well as a CZ Vzor pistol and three laptops.
After the release of surveillance footage, detectives from CID Homicide received information linking Brighton Chikukwa to the crime. They apprehended him in Mbare, where he led them to other gang members and implicated three Quest Financial Services employees.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Chikukwa received US$40,000 as his share of the stolen money, of which US$25,000 was recovered. Additionally, the detectives seized a Ford Ranger truck that he had purchased for US$14,300 using the proceeds from the heist.
Silence Matambo and Washington Mangwanda were arrested in Mbare with the assistance of Chikukwa. The detectives seized US$22,000 in cash from them. Mangwanda had received US$25,000 as his share, which he used to buy a Toyota Aqua for US$5,300. He also gifted his mother US$10,000 and provided his wife with US$5,000 for personal use.
Liberty Mukanganise was arrested at Boka Tobacco Auction Floors. He had received a share of US$23,000. The detectives recovered US$20,560 in cash from him, along with various items including a car radio, a sub-woofer, seat covers valued at US$55, four Size 15 tires valued at US$240, car shields valued at US$35, and Mag wheels valued at US$400.
Tafadzwa Richard Marondera and Luke Zinyengere were arrested in Glen View. They led the detectives to the recovery of US$50,600 in cash. Marondera had received US$35,000, while Zinyengere had received US$25,000. The detectives also seized a Mark X vehicle purchased by Zinyengere for US$11,000, an iPhone 14 Pro Max bought for US$1,300, and an iPhone 15 Pro Max bought for US$1,500.
