Three Soldiers Appear in Court on Robbery Charges

Three Zimbabwe National Army soldiers have appeared before the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court facing multiple robbery charges linked to incidents at Claremont mining area in Fort Rixon (image source)

BULAWAYO — Three members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) have appeared before the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court facing multiple robbery charges linked to incidents at a mining area in Fort Rixon.

The accused, Iphithule Mlotshwa (24), Hamlet Mlotshwa (21) and Haulezwe Mlotshwa (25), appeared before magistrate Shingirai Mutiro and were remanded in custody to 9 January next year.

Prosecutor Nkanyezi Xaba told the court that the alleged offences occurred on 24 December at the Claremont mining area. According to the State, the accused were in possession of various items, including axes, knives, electric shock devices, handcuffs and torches.

It was alleged that the trio entered the bedroom of Qondisani Moyo, restrained him and robbed him of US$2 800. The court further heard that, in separate incidents at Claremont Business Centre, the accused allegedly stole a mobile phone valued at US$100 from Trust Ndlovu, US$350 from Bukhosi Mkandla, and US$1 200 from Atila Nyathi.

The State also alleged that Press Luphahla was assaulted during the incidents, although no property was reportedly taken from him.

According to the prosecution, the accused were wearing Zimbabwe National Army uniforms at the time of the alleged offences. The court was not informed whether they were on official duty when the incidents occurred.

The matter remains before the courts, and investigations are continuing. The accused have not yet entered pleas and are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Legal context: Members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces are subject to civilian criminal law, in addition to the Defence Act, which provides for separate internal military disciplinary procedures. Any disciplinary action is conducted independently of proceedings in the civilian courts.