ONE of the two men accused of robbing Trinity Catholic Church in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, has been acquitted due to lack of evidence.
The two suspects Phathisani Sibanda and Lucky Sibanda denied the charges when they appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Sibongile Marondedze after being accused of robbing the church of US$1 320, 2 500 rands and an Isuzu single cab vehicle.
Through their lawyer Brian Robi, of Samp Mlaudzi and Partners the robbers filed their application for discharge at the close of the State case.
On Tuesday the magistrate granted the application for discharge in favour of Lucky, while Phathisani was further remanded to May 7 for the defence case after indications he has a case to answer.
The two were charged with contravening Section 126 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (codification and reform) Act Chapter 9.23 as amended (robbery).
It is the State case that on July 13, 2023 and at Trinity Catholic Church, Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, the two unlawfully entered the church to steal money and a vehicle.
