Highfield Man in Court Over Robbery Spree

Munyaradzi Mashiri – Court Correspondent

A 22-year-old man from Old Highfield, Joshua Ruchike, appeared before the Harare Magistrate’s Court facing three counts of robbery, after allegedly orchestrating a series of commuter-related muggings.

Ruchike was remanded in custody and is expected back in court on July 29 for a bail hearing.

According to the State, represented by prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi, the first robbery took place on June 9, 2025, around 11am.

Ruchike and his accomplices — some of whom have already been arrested — reportedly pulled up at the Cold Comfort bus stop along Bulawayo Road in a Toyota Aqua.

They allegedly offered the complainant, Blantina Muteke, transport into the city.

While en route, one of the suspects is said to have grabbed Muteke and demanded her belongings. The gang reportedly stole her Samsung S20 Ultra smartphone, valued at US$200, before shoving her out of the moving vehicle and fleeing the scene.

The State alleges Ruchike was the driver of the getaway car.

Investigations into two other robbery incidents linked to Ruchike are still ongoing.