Two suspected armed robbers remanded over US$108,000 Chinese firm heist

Two suspected armed robbers were remanded in custody after they allegedly took part in a US$108,000 robbery at a Chinese-owned company in Ruwa, with workers later catching one of them after a stone-throwing pursuit.

Tinei Makaripe (43) of Stoneridge and Pungurai Mukambachaza (49) of Pomona City appeared before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa facing armed robbery charges.

They were remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

The State alleges the pair, together with accomplices who remain at large, raided Xinda Castings in Ruwa on September 13, armed with pistols.

The gang allegedly scaled the company’s precast wall, entered a changing room and put on company work suits and helmets to disguise themselves as employees.

They then allegedly intercepted two workers returning from the toilet and forced them to the offices, where they confronted Chinese national Zhan Lingyue and demanded cash.