Harare – A chilling account of brutality and violence unfolded in a Harare courtroom yesterday as Jealous Samoyo (41) appeared before magistrate Mr Simon Kandiero, facing murder charges. Samoyo is accused of being part of a gang that robbed and brutally assaulted Wellington Marongedze in his own home, ultimately leading to his death.
The attack, which took place in the early hours of July 11, 2019, was a horrifying ordeal for Marongedze and his wife, Mavis Ndewere. Samoyo, along with his accomplice Job Vambe (who has already been remanded in custody) and other unidentified individuals, stormed into Marongedze’s home armed with iron bars, a golf club, and a gun.
The court heard that the group gained entry through the kitchen door before proceeding to Marongedze’s bedroom where he was sleeping. Without hesitation, they began to assault him, demanding cash and valuables.
The violence was relentless. Samoyo and his accomplices rained blows upon Marongedze, striking him repeatedly with the iron bars and golf club. One of the attackers fired a shot into the ceiling, threatening to kill Marongedze if he didn’t comply with their demands.
Terrified, Marongedze handed over ZWL$70 and an Itel cell phone from his trousers pocket. The robbers, however, were not satisfied. They continued to beat him, demanding more money.
The robbers then directed Marongedze to his vehicle parked outside, where they stole US$1 000 from the dashboard. Leaving Marongedze seriously injured, the group fled the scene.
Marongedze was rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital, his condition worsening with each passing hour. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, where he remained until July 28, 2019, when he succumbed to his injuries.
The scene of the crime was meticulously investigated. A spent cartridge was recovered and sent to CID Forensic Ballistics for examination.
A Brescia pistol, serial number 116914, was later found abandoned at a crime scene in Chitungwiza. This firearm was also sent to CID Forensic Ballistics for examination, and the results confirmed that it was the same weapon fired at Marongedze’s home on July 19, 2019. The cartridge recovered at the scene matched the pistol.
Investigations revealed that Samoyo was the registered owner of the firearm, which was registered in his name at the time of the offence.
However, Samoyo claimed that the firearm was in the possession of his accomplice, Job Vambe, who had signed for the firearm and its certificate at a gun shop. He alleged that Vambe had kept the firearm for a year before handing it over to him.
Samoyo was remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
