FROM RAILS TO JAIL: NRZ worker’s diesel loot ends his shift early

Pharmacy manager, Marshall Mashaka (27), said he received a report from Magdalena Mavhunga, a dispensary assistant, that there had been a theft at the clinic.

Moreblessing Ncube

A DARING Bulawayo man’s attempt to make a quick buck from stolen diesel went up in smoke after security guards caught him red-handed at the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) gate.

Ronald Shumba (34) appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Abednico Ndebele, facing theft charges after he was busted with 30 litres of diesel believed to have been siphoned from NRZ. He was remanded in custody until 18 October 18 pending further investigations.

Prosecuting, Joseph Rugara said the theft occured on 10 October around 9 PM. Gerald Dhliwayo, a security guard on duty at the NRZ diesel shed, noticed Shumba’s suspicious movements as he approached the main gate in a blue Honda Fit (registration AEJ 5463).

When Dhliwayo stopped and searched the vehicle, he discovered two 30-litre containers, one blue, and one khaki, both filled to the brim with diesel.

Asked to explain where he got the fuel, Shumba reportedly mumbled incoherently before running out of excuses. His luck ran out right there at the gate as Dhliwayo and fellow guards detained him and called the police.

The two containers, valued at US$75, were seized and the fuel was recovered in full.

Shumba could not sneak past the gate with 60 litres of diesel sloshing around in his car boot.

He now faces the prospect of trading his Honda Fit for a prison uniform as the case continues in court.