Zimpapers Logo

Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Five members of a machete-wielding gang that pounced at a shebeen in Mbizo and randomly attacked imbibers, killing two and injuring three, have been arraigned before a Kwekwe magistrate facing murder and attempted murder charges.

Lovemore Ganyani (30), Njabulo Ganyani (24), Envious Mpofu (19), Arnold Dube (18) and Musekiwa Mutambamvura (38) were all remanded in custody to June 27 after they appeared before Kwekwe magistrate Mr Lavroe Philemon. They were arrested last week after police launched a manhunt while the other nine are still at large.

Those still on the run include Misheck Ganyani, Lyton Mpofu, Shepherd Mpofu, Shepherd Msasa, Sufficient Sibanda, Trust Ganyani and one Carlos.

In denying the five freedom, the State led by Michelle Daraja argued that the accused were likely to interfere with witnesses as the case was still under investigation.The other accused persons were still at large and if released, they might team up with their colleagues to commit other offences, the State further argued.It is the State’s case that on June 7, the 14 connived and went to house number 16062 in Mbizo 15 armed with machetes, logs, axes and knives.

They found Lloyd Chipindu, Almighty Chuma, Tafadzwa Mpofu, Justice Chibharo, and Norest Zimano seated at a fire place while drinking beer.

The gang started assaulting them randomly with logs, machetes and axes and knives.

Chipindu fled into the house, but was caught whilst in the corridor and was stabbed once in the right side of the waist.