Soldier, accomplice in court for 3 armed robbery cases
A soldier stationed in Plumtree on Wednesday appeared in the Plumtree Magistrates’ Court alongside his accomplice facing three counts of armed robbery committed in Mangwe and Bulilima districts.
The suspects, Edward Moyo (28), a soldier residing in Hebron suburb in Plumtree, and Prince Phuthi (25) of Nkulumane, Bulawayo, were arrested last week after allegedly raiding two shops and a homestead in a two-day crime spree.
According to the State outline, the pair first targeted Sizabantu General Dealer at Dilankombe Business Centre in Mphoengs on 17 November, armed with an Ekol P29 airgun. They allegedly stole a Samsung cellphone and cash amounting to ZAR12 158, BWP2 470 and US$54.
“On 17 November 2025 at around 9AM, the complainant commenced duty at Sizabantu General Dealer. The accused persons confronted her pretending that someone had sent money from South Africa and they wanted to collect ZAR500,” the court heard.
After robbing the shop, the duo reportedly fled the scene.
The following day, 18 November, they allegedly moved to Diba Business Centre, where they robbed a shopkeeper of US$200 worth of airtime and ZAR2 000, using the same deception.
“On 18 November 2025 at around 7AM at Shalom General Dealer, the accused persons entered the shop wearing blue face masks. They asked how much money the complainant had. When she did not respond, accused one drew a gun from his pocket and ordered her to sit down. Accused two went behind the counter and took ZAR2 000, 100 x US$1 Econet airtime scratch cards, and 100 x US$1 NetOne cards,” reads the State outline.
The complainant told them she had handed over the previous day’s takings to her employer, Mr Ndodana Sibanda. The suspects then allegedly ordered her to close the shop and force-marched her to Mr Sibanda’s homestead.
At the homestead, they allegedly robbed Mr Sibanda of three cellphones, ZAR27 910, and US$221 before escaping.
The case was remanded and is expected to continue on Thursday. *_-H-Metro_*
