Bulawayo’s million dollar thief; breaks into 43 cars and steals property worth US$1 million in 7 months

A 24-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has appeared in court facing 43 counts of theft committed between August 2023 and March 2024, stealing property worth approximately a million dollars.

Laga Dube of Upper Rangemore has appeared before Bulawayo Western Commonage magistrate Mr Vakai Douglas Chikwekwe, who remanded him in custody to 28 October for continuation of trial.

According to the state case presented by Mr Milton Moyo, Dube is allegedly charged with 43 counts theft as Defined in Section 113(1)9(a) (b) of the Criminal Law Codification And Reform Act Chapter 9:23.

He said the alleged counts of theft occurred on diverse dates between August last year and March 2024. The thefts involved breaking into 43 separate motor vehicles, where Dube stole Mobile phones, Laptops, Cash, Wheels and Other valuable possessions, the court heard.

The court heard the break-ins occurred in all of the complainants’ residential areas whereby the accused allegedly used various methods to gain access to the motor vehicles.

“The accused would smash the windows whilst in other counts he would pick the locks,” said Mr Moyo.

The first count which occurred sometime in August the accused person allegedly stole property worth US$420 and US$400 was recovered from the accused.

The court heard that from count two to count 30 the property stolen worthy US$83 590 from that amount less than half of it has been recovered.

“Regarding count 31 to 43 the accused allegedly stole various items from 13 motor vehicles .The total value of stolen goods from these counts is substantial “said Mr Moyo.

In March of this year, the issue came to public attention when the complainant in one of the allegations reported the situation.

This revelation prompted further investigation and scrutiny which led to the arrest of the accused in March.