Minister’s husband dies, killer gang now faces murder charge
By KING SHANGO
Published on: 20th August, 2009
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ZIMBABWE – HARARE – Police here have said charges against gang members alleged to have raided and beaten up minister Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga’s husband will be changed to murder after the minister’s husband passed on Sunday.
Dr Chris Mushonga died of injuries he sustained during a botched robbery at his home two months ago.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigations department shot and wounded three of the suspects last month when they resisted arrest.
The Regional Integration and International Cooperation Minister was away in Europe when the gang of seven heavily-armed robbers ransacked her Mt Pleasant home, stole seven mobile phones, US$156 in cash and a Toyota Prado car which was found abandoned a day later.
Her orthopaedic surgeon husband Chris Mushonga died of head injuries and massive internal bleeding.
A police spokesman said Monday the charges against Makaika Milanzi, 33, Assan Chikwada, 29, Tichaona Soda, 31, Crispen Sibanda, 50, Antony Khumbula, 31, Steven Zvinoseva, 26 and Tendai Jongwe, 38 will now be changed to murder.
“We were initially charging them with attempted murder but since the circumstances have changed given the unfortunate death of the minister’s spouse, the charge changes to murder,” he said.
Detectives believe the men were behind a series of armed robberies, including the killing of Bindura tobacco farmer, Ossy Bonga, last month as he returned from an auction in Harare. The robbers had calculated that he had a large amount of money on him, but he had been paid by cheque.
Police also believe the men are responsible for a raid on a Mandara house hours after the attack on the minister’s home, during which they got away with a Hyundai vehicle and a mobile phone.
Detectives are also piecing together details of other crimes they have linked to the gang, including a murder in Mazowe as well as violent robberies in Hatfield and Highlands.
