A SUSPECTED notorious armed robber, who is part of a gang led by Musa Taj Abdul, is nursing wounds at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare after being shot by police while attempting to flee.

Musafare Mupamhanga, who was on bail was arrested along with other suspected armed robbers, Spicer Takawira, Leo Mandaza, Chamunorwa Takawira, Joseph Chinhema, Newman Watsikwa and James Nyakutsikwa.

His suspected colleagues, Spicer Takawira, Mandaza, Chamunorwa Takawira, Chinhema, Watsikwa and Nyakutsikwa appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court yesterday charged with robbery, unlawful entry into premises in aggravated circumstances and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Mupamhanga who was shot on the left leg during his arrest is under police guard in hospital.

They were not asked to plead to the charges when they appeared before magistrate, Mr Dennis Mangosi, who remanded them in custody to June 14.

Mr Mangosi advised them to approach the High Court for bail application.

The State led by Mr Lancelot Mutsokoti had it that on June 1 at around midnight Mupamhanga teamed up with Chamunorwa Takawira, Mandaza, Spicer Takawira and Nyakutsikwa and went to Tech Centre located at Montagu Shops in Harare’s Avenues Area.

They forced open the shop’s doors and stole a safe containing US$3 963 and $16 350 and various cellphones all valued at $1 021 229.

Police recovered property valued at $13 390.

On June 4, Mupamhanga led his gang to Rusape where they went to Prosper Mudoweti’s place of residence in Silverbow and forced open the doors and gained entry at around midnight.

One of them is alleged to have awakened Mudoweti and his wife at gunpoint and demanded cash.- The Herald