The Case of Godfrey Josi: A Notorious Robber Granted Bail
Godfrey Josi, a notorious armed robber with a history of surviving shootouts with CID Homicide officers, has recently been granted US$100 bail. Alongside his accomplices Andrew Nyamutowa and Prince Nyamhanza, Josi was released by High Court judge Justice Rogers Manyangadze, despite facing serious robbery allegations.
The alleged crime occurred on June 9 this year, when Josi, Nyamutowa, Nyamhanza, and other individuals who are still at large, reportedly entered the premises of complainants in Eastlea, Harare, armed with pistols and a rifle. According to court documents, the group manhandled two victims and used a grinder to break open a safe, from which they stole US$10,000. They also took a Webley revolver before fleeing the scene.
The State further claimed that the trio attempted to evade arrest, leading police to discharge firearms to effect their capture. A CCTV video clip was presented as evidence, showing Josi at the scene of the crime. This footage played a significant role in the court’s decision-making process.
The Judge’s Ruling and Legal Considerations
Justice Manyangadze emphasized the severity of the crime, particularly when firearms are involved. He noted that such acts leave victims deeply traumatized and constitute a blatant invasion of privacy. “Society rightly expects protection from the criminal justice system, even at the pre-trial stage,” he stated.
He explained that while the evidence does not need to be watertight during a bail inquiry, it must establish a prima facie case against the accused. This is crucial for prosecutors to oppose bail effectively and for the court to justify denying it.
In cases involving violent crimes like armed robbery, the judge stressed that the criminal justice system would be undermined if accused individuals were routinely released on bail. He pointed out that the reason for their release was due to the State’s failure to substantiate information on the Request for Remand Form (Form 242).
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the judge found that the facts presented did not support the State’s opposition to bail. As a result, he granted the trio US$100 bail.
Background on Godfrey Josi
Josi has a long history of committing armed robberies, having spent over a decade engaged in such activities. With more than 20 pending cases of armed robbery, he was acquitted of money laundering charges alongside his wife in 2022 by a Harare magistrate. However, the magistrate was later investigated by the Judicial Service Commission.
According to the State, Josi committed robberies across Harare from 2017 to June 2021. There was evidence suggesting a link between Josi and his accomplices and the offenses committed. He allegedly acquired several properties using the proceeds from these crimes.
In 2021, Josi was arrested for robbing a Chinese national at his residence in the University of Zimbabwe farm compound, taking away US$60,000 in the process.