Armed Robbers Pose as Patients, Steal from Traditional Healer in Beitbridge
In a brazen act of deception, two armed robbers masquerading as patients seeking spiritual services reportedly targeted a traditional healer in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe, making off with R3,000 in cash.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) disclosed that Jerry Wonder Siziba, 28, and Cohen Muleya were brought before the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court to face charges related to the incident.
According to sources close to the investigation, the perpetrators cunningly approached the traditional healer under the guise of needing spiritual assistance. Seizing an opportune moment, they brandished weapons and forcefully demanded money from the healer, who handed over R3,000 before the assailants fled the scene.
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Law enforcement authorities swiftly moved to apprehend the suspects following the robbery. Siziba and Muleya were promptly arrested and charged with two counts of robbery, in connection with the incident.
The Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court is set to oversee the legal proceedings against the accused duo. Meanwhile, community members and local authorities have expressed outrage over the audacious nature of the crime, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and security measures to protect residents and businesses in the area.
Efforts to ensure justice for the victims and deter future criminal activities are underway as the case progresses through the judicial system.
“It was the State’s case that on the 11th of January 2024, the accused persons pounced on the complainant, a traditional healer who was in the company of her male relative, pretending to be seeking spiritual healing services. They demanded cash from the complainant and assaulted her all over the body. One of the accused persons pointed a gun at the complainant whereupon surrendered ZAR3 000,” the NPAZ said.
The duo seized the phone belonging to a relative of the traditional healer before they were apprehended after being spotted at a local business center.
“The accused persons fled the scene when they noticed the complainant’s neighbour approaching the homestead. The following day, the complainants who were making a follow-up on the accused persons positively identified Siziba at Mutetengwe Business Centre and reported him to the police, leading to his arrest. A spot search on Siziba led to the recovery of the complainant’s Mobicel phone from his pocket. He implicated the second accused person,” the NPAZ said.
