Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
BURNS suffered while stealing copper cables in Hillside suburb sold out a thief from Kensington, leading to his arrest and recovery of the stolen property.
Nkosikhona Khumalo (31) is now helping police with investigations. His alleged accomplice identified only as Kha Ngwenya from Kensington is on the run.
Bulawayo police spokesperson assistant inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the theft case.
“On the 8th of august 2022 at around 8AM, the informant, who is an employee at Zetdc Bulawayo received a report of theft of copper cables which had occurred outside Percy Avenue and Essex road, Hillside, Bulawayo.
The informant made a report at ZRP Hillside where the police and Zetdc personnel attended the scene,” she said.
“On the same day, police received information that there was one Nkosikhona Khumalo who had burn wounds and claiming that he got burnt while preparing food for his children but the wounds were suspected to be of electrocution.
“Investigations were carried out and Nkosikhona Khumalo was arrested.
The accused’s home was searched and 63 killogrammes of copper cables valued at US$1 260 were recovered together with accused’s T-shirt with burnt holes.
Further investigations revealed that the accused person committed the offence together with one male adult known as Kha Ngwenya from Kensington, Bulawayo.”
Asst Insp Msebele appealed to anyone with information that may help in the location of Kha Ngwenya to report at the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, police are also investigating a case of unlawful entry and theft of laptops worth 34 000 rand and US$700 at a Seventh Day Adventist Church in the city centre.
The theft at the church which is located at the corner of 5th Avenue and Josiah Tongogara Street was reported by the caretaker who lives on the premises.
The caretaker is said to have locked all doors and closed all windows at 6PM on August 9 but when he woke up the following morning, he discovered that someone had broken in and stolen three laptops and money amounting to US$700.
The caretaker reported the matter to the police and is helping with investigations.
Asst Insp Msebele urged members of the business community to use crime fighting techniques in their premises.
“We urge members of the business community to use target hardening techniques in their premises by increasing security at their premise doors and windows like burglar doors. There is also need to employ security guards who would work during the night,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
Online Reporter