Teen Trio Faces Murder Charges Following Fatal Stabbing

Three teenagers, including a 15-year-old boy, are currently facing murder charges after allegedly stabbing one of their victims to death. Nelson Mugada, 18, Calvin Furusa, 18, and Tinashe Ngwerume, 15, appeared before Harare Magistrate Dennis Mangosi on Wednesday in relation to the incident.

According to the Investigating Officer, Final Chauke, the trio is believed to be part of a larger gang that has been causing trouble and terrorizing residents in Christonbank and Lowdale. Chauke argued that due to the presence of their accomplices, who are still at large, the defendants should be kept in custody. He also expressed concerns about their likelihood to re-offend, citing a lack of remorse during their cautioned statements.

The gang has been reported to use weapons such as knives, machetes, and axes during their criminal activities, leaving the community in fear. Chauke highlighted that the defendants have multiple cases of assault, threats, and violence pending in the Marlborough area.

Considering the potential danger posed to the community and the defendant’s risk of fleeing the court’s jurisdiction, Chauke requested that bail be sought at the High Court instead. Ngwerume, in particular, lacks a permanent address since his parents were forced to relocate from their usual residence in Christonbank due to safety concerns.

The state’s case reveals that the trio and their still-at-large accomplices were pursuing Tatenda Mapurani on October 23 when the victim, Charles Sanudi, attempted to protect Mapurani. This resulted in the group turning on Sanudi, stabbing him fatally in the right thigh and neck with a knife.

While three of the suspects managed to escape, the alleged murderers were apprehended by the public and subsequently taken into custody by the police. The trio now awaits further legal proceedings.