HARARE – A police officer who allegedly provided accommodation to a group of notorious armed robbers at his Beitbridge residence has been denied bail by the Harare High Court.
Tapiwa Mangoma, who is also accused of providing ammunition to the gang led by Musa Taj Abdul, is a danger to society and could also flee if granted bail, Justice Erica Ndewere ruled in a judgement released on Thursday.
Mangoma, 27, is jointly charged with Abdul, 46, Liberty Mupamhanga, 29, Prince Makodza, 31, Godfrey Mupamhanga, 27, Charles Lundu, 47, Rudolf Kanhanga, 29, and Innocent Jairos, 32.
The gang has been linked to movie-style heists across the country, mainly in Harare.
They were arrested following a shoot-out at Mangoma’s residence in Dulibadzimu in August.
Justice Ndewere, who is currently suspended but is disposing of matters that came before her, said: “The court’s conclusion was that there is a strong link between the applicant and the offence in that the pistol used in the robberies was recovered from his laundry basket.
“His admitted knowledge and association with accomplices who were linked to the offences is another connection.”
She said it was undisputed that a search conducted at Mangoma’s house led to the recovery of a pistol that had been used in a series of armed robberies.
The court heard Mangoma also admitted to knowing the Mupamhanga brothers who are known hard core criminals from childhood.
He also allegedly assisted them in clearing their goods at the Beitbridge border post and facilitated their travel documents and safe passage.
The court heard six of the suspects have dual residences in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Justice Ndewere said Mangoma could use his influence as a police officer and interfere with evidence, adding that if released he would frustrate the police’s efforts to apprehend three of his accomplices that escaped during the arrest.
Abdul and the other suspects are yet to appeal for bail at the High Court.
