Zimpapers Logo

Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
A GUN-TOTING CABS account holder who was allegedly captured on Closed Circuit Television while trying to rob the bank has claimed that he was, in fact, trying to deposit $10 000.

Brine Mugota (41) appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Noel Mupeiwa facing attempted robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm charges.

Mr Mupeiwa remanded him in custody until March 22 when the trail resumes.

Redge Motsi, a security guard with Professional Security Company, and deployed at CABS’s Mount Pleasant branch, was injured during the alleged failed robbery.

In his defence, Mugota said Motsi noticed his firearm studded on his trousers as he was filling a deposit slip to make a cash deposit of $10 000.

“Motsi rudely advised me to come back the following day because it was already closing time,” said Mugota.

“He seriously provoked me and I shouted back at him. He violently approached me and wrestled the firearm and the bag containing the $10 000 away.

“Whatever I did was in self-defence.”

Prosecutor Mrs Tinashe Kanyemba-Makiya alleged that on January 12 this year at around 3pm, Mugota went to CABS Mount Pleasant branch armed with a pistol.

It is alleged that Mugota was carrying a small bag with him and towards closing time started making inquiries about an unidentified dormant account.

He proceeded to the self-service desk just before closing time and started inquiring from Motsi about deposit slips.

Mugota allegedly placed his small bag on top of the desk and slowly started completing a deposit slip while waiting for customers to clear in the banking hall.

Thereafter, it is alleged that Mugota reached for his small bag and drew his pistol.

He allegedly pointed the firearm at Motsi and ordered him to surrender his service pistol.

Mugota overpowered Motsi and held his firearm by the muzzle while his other hand held the guard by the collar.

He allegedly struck the guard seven times in the head with the pistol butt until he became unconscious.

Mugota stormed into the cash vault and pointed the gun at Andrew Jena, ordering him to surrender keys to the safe.

Before he could complete the robbery, Mugota allegedly saw another bank employee standing at the main entrance and panicked. Video footage of Mugota in the bank will be produced in court.

He is represented by Ms Rekai Maposa.