Staff Reporter
In a recent court appearance, four accused individuals in a series of theft and robbery cases in Gokwe have been sentenced and remanded for trial on nine counts of theft. Michael Chatidhege (34), Khulani Moyo (30), Tafadzwa Hlupekile (27), and Farai Masunda (27) face multiple charges stemming from a two-month crime spree that has terrorized residents and businesses in Gokwe.
The accused were arrested following a series of burglaries and thefts targeting residential areas and shops, taking valuables and groceries. The suspects have been linked to ten different incidents, with significant property losses reported by the victims.
In a significant case on May 27, 2024, Khulani Moyo and Tafadzwa Hlupekile, who remains at large, allegedly broke into sicelokuhle Ncube’s house, assaulted her, and stole items worth US$144. The complainant positively identified Moyo as one of the attackers. This case, among others, is still under investigation.
On June 12, 2024, Michael Chatidhege and Khulani Moyo appeared before Gokwe Resident Magistrate Honest Musiiwa, with the state represented by Mandishora Tatenda. Neither accused was legally represented. Chatidhege pleaded guilty to counts seven counts of unlawful entry and theft, receiving a sentence of 45 months. Five years were suspended on condition of good behavior, with additional suspensions pending restitution. Effective imprisonment for Chatidhege is 31 months. Moyo also pleaded guilty to counts five counts of unlawful entry and theft, receiving a similar sentence structure, leading to 30 months of effective imprisonment. Both were remanded to July 2, 2024, for trial on one count of unlawful entry and theft, which they denied.
On July 2, 2024, during the continuation of the trial, both Chatidhege and Moyo were acquitted of one count of unlawful entry and theft due to insufficient evidence linking them to the crime. CCTV footage identified only Tafadzwa Hlupekile, who is still at large.
Additional individuals, Elizabeth Luwizhi, Soweto Mudzvari, and James Siziba, were charged with receiving stolen property, knowing it was stolen, under section 124(1)(a)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23. They were advised the court would proceed by way of summons.
It is said on July 26, 2024, when detectives received information leading to the arrest of Farai Masunda and Tafadzwa Hlupekile at Nemangwe Business Centre. They were found selling stolen music equipment, which was recovered and positively identified by the owner, Peter Chikutuva. The total value of the stolen property was US$13,750, all of which was recovered.
Masunda and Hlupekile were interviewed and confessed to participating in the thefts with Chatidhege and Moyo. Masunda, who had defaulted on community service from a previous conviction, appeared before Magistrate Rangarirai Matan’ani on July 27, 2024, for a default inquiry. He cited that only seven days remained to complete his community service.
On the same day, Masunda and Hlupekile also faced charges of unlawful entry and theft. They pleaded guilty and were convicted, with sentencing set for July 29, 2024. Neither was legally represented.
