During the trial of seven suspects accused of an armed robbery, it was revealed in a Harare court on Thursday that a portion of the US$2.7 million stolen from a cash-in-transit truck transporting ZB Bank cash from Harare to Chinhoyi was used to purchase cars for a self-proclaimed prophet as a token of appreciation.
The incident occurred at the Gwebi River Bridge along the Harare-Chirundu Road in January 2021. The suspects, Shadreck Njowa, Tendai Zuze, Neverson Mwamuka, Trymore Chapfika, Tozivepi Chirara, Dennis Madondo, and Tatenda Gadzikwa, are currently standing trial before Harare magistrate Clever Tsikwa.
During the proceedings, the self-styled prophet, John Karembera, testified against the suspects, stating that he had received two vehicles as a gesture of gratitude for assisting a person referred to him by Zuze. However, he claimed to be unaware that the vehicles had been purchased using proceeds from criminal activities.
Karembera explained, “The second accused (Zuze) contacted me and informed me that someone wanted to surprise me with a car. I traveled from Mutare, and he directed me to a car dealership in Mbare. There, I saw a white Hino Truck Dutro and a white Toyota Dyna Truck.”
He continued, “Upon my return to Mutare, I received a call from the police who informed me that they were conducting investigations. I surrendered the cars to the Mutare CID. I can’t recall the exact date, but it was around January 2021. The police contacted me after about 3 or 4 days. I’m not aware of the relationship between the second accused (Zuze) and Moreblessing Mushore, who was said to have purchased the vehicles for me. However, I used to pray for her when she sought my services.”
Karembera further stated that when he handed over the vehicles, the police assured him that he would receive them back after the conclusion of their investigations. However, he has yet to retrieve the cars and expressed his expectation of getting them back.
Following Karembera’s testimony, the State prosecutor, Lovett Maungira, requested a postponement to allow the lawyers representing the seven suspects an opportunity to examine the next exhibit. The hearing is set to continue on May 16.
