Online Reporter
By Lesley Chikudo – [email protected]
A 24-year-old Bulawayo man, Laga Dube, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of 43 counts of theft, committed between August 2023 and March 2024, involving property worth approximately US$1 million.
Dube, of Upper Rangemore, pleaded not guilty, but Western Commonage magistrate Mr Vakai Douglas Chikwekwe found him guilty based on overwhelming evidence.
However, Dube will serve only 10 years, as five years of his sentence were suspended on the condition of good behaviour.
According to State prosecutor Mr Milton Moyo, Dube targeted 43 vehicles across Bulawayo, using various methods to break in.
“The thefts involved breaking into 43 separate motor vehicles, where Dube stole mobile phones, laptops, cash, wheels, and other valuables,” said Mr Moyo.
Dube reportedly used different techniques, including smashing windows and picking locks, to gain access to the vehicles.
In the first count, which occurred in August 2023, he stole property worth US$420, with US$400 later recovered.
From count two to count 30, the total stolen property value was US$83 590, with less than half recovered.
Between count 31 and 43, Dube stole valuables from 13 motor vehicles, with the total value of stolen goods being substantial.
The crime spree came to light in March 2024, when one of the victims reported the theft. Further investigations linked Dube to the series of break-ins, leading to his arrest and conviction.
With his criminal record spanning 43 cases, Dube’s 10-year prison term serves as a warning to would-be offenders.
