Ruwa man in court over US$1.2m ABC Auctions armed robbery

Suspects on their way to court

A suspected armed robber, Bibience Bondamakara of Ruwa, appeared before the Harare Regional Magistrates' Court on Saturday, facing charges of robbing ABC Auctions of more than US$1.2 million in cash and jewellery in a suspected carefully planned heist. Bondamakara was arraigned before Magistrate Learnmore Mapiye on a charge of armed robbery. Prosecutor Kudakwashe Muza told the court the robbery occurred in the early hours of October 8, 2022.

According to the State, the accused and his accomplices scaled a precast wall surrounding the premises at around 1 am while armed with pistols. They allegedly overpowered security guards, tying their hands and legs with shoelaces before confiscating mobile phones, a panic button, and bloodhounds. The gang is said to have forced one of the guards to restrain the dogs while they broke into the main office. Using grinders and explosives, they allegedly forced open six safes.

Prosecutors say the suspects made off with US$1,014,000 in cash and jewellery valued at US$250,000, bringing the total value of stolen property to US$1,264,031. The stolen items reportedly included high-end watches, gold rings, diamonds, necklaces, gold coins, and luxury goods such as a Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18k gold watch, Cartier fountain pens, and a gold link bracelet. Investigators later received intelligence linking Bondamakara to the robbery and other suspected criminal activities.

A police raid at his residence, conducted in the presence of his wife, Fransisca Marume, led to the recovery of some of the stolen jewellery valued at US$100,656. However, the suspect allegedly evaded arrest at the time. After several months on the run, Bondamakara was arrested on March 12 and is now in custody pending trial.

ABC Auctions robbery Zimbabwe