From Loot to Luxury: How Ruwa Robbery Suspects Spent the Stolen US$176,000 Fortune
Two suspects accused of being part of the gang that robbed businessman Joseph Maruta of US$176,000 in Ruwa have appeared in court.
Remember Gladmore Fadzauone and Tawanda Jabulani Makumana were arrested and brought before a Harare magistrate, while another accomplice, Blessing Kennes, is already in custody.
Also Read: US$182 000 CASH Stolen From Ruwa House, Detectives Trace Loot To Mbare Hideout
How the Loot Was Spent
According to H-Metro, Fadzauone used part of the stolen money to build and buy properties as well as vehicles. He purchased a stand in Crowhill, Borrowdale, where he constructed a three-roomed cottage secured with a precast wall, fitted with a solar system, and supplied with a borehole. He also bought four vehicles: a Nissan Caravan NV350, a Toyota Hiace, a Honda Fit, and a Toyota Ipsum.
At his rural home in Mundirwa Village, Rusape, he built a four-roomed house. Fadzauone also bought two welding machines and a generator.
Reward for Smuggling an Accomplice
Investigations showed that Fadzauone was rewarded with US$7,000 by Makumana after helping him cross into Mozambique while they were on the run. Makumana told police that he used the money to buy a Mini Cooper, a stand in Juru, Murehwa, as well as food and clothes for his family.
Arrest in Beitbridge and Cash Recovery
Detectives from CID Homicide tracked down Fadzauone to Beitbridge, where he was arrested at Number 2413 Shule Shule in Dilibadzimu. A search of his room led to the recovery of US$5,300 in cash stashed in a cross bag. He later confessed to buying vehicles and properties using the stolen money and implicated Makumana.
Background to the Robbery
In June, businessman Maruta collected US$181,000 from a farm in Kwekwe as payment for potato seeds. On June 7, while visiting his girlfriend Leoba Hunda in Springvale, Ruwa, he was targeted by the gang, which stole US$176,050 in cash, a Samsung S23 Ultra, and a Derya pistol loaded with two fully charged magazines.
Maruta only discovered the theft the following morning and reported the matter to ZRP Ruwa, sparking the investigations that eventually led to the arrests.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post From Loot to Luxury: How Ruwa Robbery Suspects Spent the Stolen US$176,000 Fortune appeared first on iHarare News.
