By Crime Reporter
A man accused of being part of a well-armed robbery gang appeared in court this week after authorities linked him to a string of heists that saw more than US$500,000 in cash, vehicles, and valuables stolen across the capital.
Witness Hlongwane, 40, was arrested on September 25 and brought before Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa on three counts of robbery. The court ordered him held in custody until October 13, instructing that any bail application must be submitted to the High Court.
According to prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe, Hlongwane’s arrest followed extensive investigations into the robberies. During questioning, Hlongwane allegedly cooperated with detectives, pointing out locations and demonstrating how some of the crimes were carried out.
Another suspect, Dingani Mpofu, is already in custody facing the same charges. Prosecutors allege the pair belonged to a larger gang that used firearms and explosives to target homes and businesses between June and July.
The first robbery occurred on June 29 at the home of Sekeni Manyunguvadzi. The gang reportedly jumped the wall, confronted Manyunguvadzi at gunpoint, and stole a safe containing US$5,000 and other valuables. Most items were recovered nearby, but the cash was missing.
On July 1, the robbers allegedly struck a company on Richards Road, tying up security guard Silon Chapadza before using explosives to access a safe. They escaped with US$39,888, ZiG74,270, R750, and assorted drinks. Police found ammunition and explosives left behind, but the stolen items were not recovered.
The third incident took place on July 20 at Heliconvest Company in Mount Pleasant, where staff and visitors were robbed of cash and valuables, including a US50,000∗∗wristwatch.Thegangalsostoleasafecontaining∗∗US50,000** wristwatch. The gang also stole a safe containing **US37,694 and important documents, fleeing in a company vehicle that was later recovered.
Police said US$89,422 worth of stolen property has been recovered so far. Investigators believe Hlongwane and Mpofu were part of a well-organized crew that operated at night, restrained victims, targeted safes, and often abandoned their getaway vehicles.
The case also brings renewed focus to Hlongwane’s criminal history. In 2016, he was accused of leading a gang that broke into the Filabusi Post Office using explosives. He was denied bail while facing similar charges in Bulawayo and Gwanda. In April 2023, he was linked to a violent housebreaking in Tshabalala, Bulawayo. Another case in August 2025 saw him arrested after a police chase, suspected of attempting to break into a garage in Bulawayo. He has previously been acquitted in another case after insufficient evidence.
The prosecution argues that the raids were characterized by the use of heavy weaponry, explosives, and a consistent pattern of targeting safes and valuables during nighttime attacks. The investigation is ongoing, with Hlongwane’s next court appearance scheduled for October.
