Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku Court Reporter
TWO men who have been causing distress to motorists in the city, allegedly breaking into cars and stealing items that include laptops, cellphones and money, have appeared in court.
Sikhanyiso Ndlovu (30) from Entumbane suburb in Bulawayo and Thando Chinhara (29) from Bulawayo’s Njube suburb appeared on Wednesday before Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate Mr Isheunesu Mathoba charged with two counts of theft from motor vehicles.
They applied for bail, stating that they will stay at the addresses they supplied to the court and will not interfere with State witnesses.
However, the State, represented by Ms Mabusiso Moyo, opposed their bail application. She submitted that the pair are repeat offenders and that if they are granted bail they will abscond. She also said: “There is overwhelming evidence; as a result they are not good candidates for bail.”
The matter was remanded to 18 September for bail ruling.
Prosecuting, Ms Moyo said last month on 10 August at around 11AM the pair pounced on a car, which was parked at Corner 10 Avenue and Robert Mugabe Road in Bulawayo.
“The complainant parked his motor vehicle, a silver Mazda, at the corner of 10th Avenue and Robert Mugabe Road in Bulawayo.
“The accused persons took advantage of the complainant’s absence and used an unknown object to force open the complainant’s motor vehicle, thereby damaging the locking system, and stole a laptop bag containing an HP laptop, Samsung S24 Ultra cellphone, driver’s licence, a passport, a bag with various clothes, a mouse and prescription glasses,” she said.
The matter was reported to the police. Police investigators from Criminal Investigations Department conducted investigations resulting in the arrest of the accused persons.
Total value stolen is US$5 500. The court heard that on 3 September shortly after 5.30PM the complainant parked his motor vehicle, a black Honda Fit, at a fuel service station situated at the corner of 4th Avenue and Fife Street, Bulawayo.
“He secured his vehicle by closing windows and locking all the doors using a remote.
“The two accused persons who were driving a sky blue Honda Fit took advantage of the complainant’s absence and opened the driver’s door and stole a waist bag containing US$400 cash, Samsung A32 cellphone and identity particulars,” said Ms Moyo.
After committing the offence, the accused persons drove off in their getaway car, a light blue Honda Fit.
It was heard in court that the accused persons were captured by CCTV cameras at the scene. Their getaway car was seized as an exhibit.
