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The Herald, December 8, 1992
THREE men appeared before a Harare magistrate yesterday facing allegations of posing as police  officers investigating a narcotic drugs deal before robbing a Harare man of his car, pistol and cash worth a total of $250 000.

The three — Francis Matsikidze (32), Jauros Martin Java (42) and Godwin Nhando (38) were not formally charged of armed robbery when they appeared before magistrate Mr Victor Ruombwa on initial remand.

They were remanded in custody to December 21. In terms of the new Criminal Procedure ad Evidence Amendment Act, a magistrate has been stripped of that jurisdiction to entertain or grant bail in an armed robbery case without the Attorney General’s consent.

Presenting the State allegations, Mr Joseph Makwakwa told the court that the victim, Mr Evans Craig Neil, of Highlands, went to Barclays Bank at Newlands shopping centre on Wednesday last week at about 8am to deposit his $18 000. Mr Neil parked his Nissan Exa turbo car outside the bank and had just opened the driver’s door to retrieve the money, which was underneath his seat, when he was approached by the three suspects who were in the company of two others, still at large.

The victim was handcuffed and forced to the back seat of his car by the five, who allegedly pretended to be police officers and accused him of dealing in narcotic drugs.

Four of the suspects got into the car and one of them drove while another threatened Mr Neil with a pistol.

The alleged gangsters pretended to be taking the victim to Norton to detain him, but instead drove to Aspindale where they dumped him.

The fifth suspect followed driving a Toyota Corolla. The suspects drove off in Mr Neil’s car together with his cash and pistol. They also took their car.

On the same day at about 11.30am, Java was allegedly seen driving the stolen Nissan Exa. He parked the car at Matsikidze’s house in Waterfalls where it was recovered by the police.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

The country has recorded a number of armed robberies, of late, some staged, while some are real.

Being a victim of armed robbery is a very scary experience that no one should have to go through, but if it ever does happen to you it’s important to know what to do.

In the event that one faces armed robberies and if the robber displays a weapon, comply with whatever the robbery suspect tells you to do – do not argue with him or her. Money can be replaced – but life cannot.

It is also important to remember what the armed robber looks like and what he or she touches, so that you can inform the authorities once it’s all over, since information like finger prints are crucial for investigation.

Victims are encouraged to try and observe key features, such as height, complexion, weapon used and other features either on a car used by robbers and their clothes.