Sukoluhle Ndlovu
A 37-year-old man allegedly linked to a gang that shot dead Bulawayo businessman Tedious Rutanhira during a US$10 000 armed robbery has appeared in court facing murder charges.
Shelton Jubane appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Annah Muzondiwa and was remanded in custody to September 25. He was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
Jubane was arrested together with Charles Ndlovu (52), Prince Chisale, Clive Ncube (27), Mehluli Ncube, also known as Mamba, and Muzi Richard Fambirai Moyo.
Mehluli Ncube and Muzi Richard Fambirai Moyo have since died following a shoot-out with police, while the other suspects are yet to appear in court.
Police have linked the suspects to 10 armed robbery cases in Bulawayo and surrounding areas.
The State alleges that on September 14, Jubane conspired with the above-named suspects and Bhekimpilo Mabuza, who is still at large, to rob Rutanhira.
Prosecuting, Mr Milton Moyo told the court that the men were armed with pistols when they allegedly targeted Rutanhira shortly after he had closed his shop near a Zuva Service Station along Joshua Mqabuko Street, between 3rd and 4th avenues in Bulawayo.
The court heard that Rutanhira was walking towards his vehicle, which was parked at the service station, when Jubane and his alleged accomplices confronted him.
The gang allegedly took the bag containing US$10 000 before fleeing from the scene.
Taxi drivers who witnessed the incident reportedly attempted to effect a citizen’s arrest, but the alleged robbers fired shots towards them as they escaped.
Police investigations led to the arrest of the suspects the following day.
