THREE suspected armed robbers appeared at Harare magistrates courts facing allegations of  stealing over US$107 000 following an exchange of gunshots with the police .

The matter appeared before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa.

The accused Kenneth Chiputura (50), Jaison Munyapa (18) and Mike Chitsiko (28) were remanded in custody to August 28 for routine remand.

They were advised to approach the High Court for bail consideration.

Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje told the court that one of the armed robbers, Raymond Mugabe, died on the spot during the shootout.

The court heard that on May 31 this year, the three suspects entered the complainant's house using an open door.

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It is alleged that the robbers pointed a pistol at the complainant whilst demanding for money, the gang proceeded to assault the latter severely with iron bars until they were shown the safe.

Consequently, the robbers stole US$15 000,  five wrist watches, a camera, three pistols, a Smith and Wesson revolver, 800 x 9mm live ammunition, magnum live rounds of ammunition, 308 live ammunition and mauser live rounds of ammunition.

Chirenje further alleged that the robbers loaded the loot into the complainant's Isuzu vehicle and took off.

The armed robbers later dumped  the vehicle at the junction of Harare Drive and Borrowdale Road.

In a separate case, an incident that occured last week, the same gang of alleged armed robbers forced entry into a city house before tying the  with shoe laces whilst searching for money.

It is alleged that they made away with US$1 100 after severely assaulting the complainant.

Following investigations by Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Homicide Harare detectives, the accused persons were intercepted in an operation that led to the recovery of US$23 800 and firearms.