Car thief gets six months

A 45-YEAR-old man who broke into a vehicle parked within the city centre and stole valuables worth about US$90 has been sentenced to six months in prison.

Part of the sentence was suspended on condition he does not commit a crime of a similar nature within the next five years.
Dominic Zulu (45) from Nkulumane suburb in Bulawayo was convicted by Bulawayo magistrate, Mrs Evia Matura, for breaking into Mr Nqobizitha Ncube’s vehicle in February this year where he stole a Nokia C20 cellphone valued at US$90.

Zulu is believed to be part of a criminal syndicate operating in the city centre and is said to have followed Mr Ncube using another vehicle around town until he parked the vehicle to conduct his criminal business.

“For the purposes of public and general deterrence, a jail term will meet the justice of this case,” Mrs Matura said.
Prosecutor, Mr Mehluli Ndlovu said the incident happened along Jason Moyo between Third and Fourth Avenue.

“During Mr Ncube’s absence, Zulu gained entry into the car. Whilst inside the car, he stole the phone and went away and was later apprehended by detectives when he came back to the scene with the help of the public,” Mr Ndlovu said.

A witness, Mr Lunda Moyo, observed Zulu breaking into the car before raising alarm. Mr Moyo pursued him until he got to an alleged getaway vehicle, where his accomplice pulled out a knife and tried to stab Mr Moyo. A crowd that had gathered at the scene meted instant justice on Zulu.