Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
HILLSIDE police in Bulawayo have, within 24 hours, recovered various household and industrial goods valued at over US$ 75,000 that were stolen in a three-month period by a five-man gang led by a local gardener.
Recovered property includes 43 car batteries, five heavy-duty lithium solar batteries, two domestic solar batteries, two refrigerators, a sewing machine, two lawn mowers, three generators, seven tyres, five gas tanks, a micro balancing Sartorius machine and alcohol
The gang was led by John Malinga, a former gardener to one of the complainants, Victor Rakabopa, who lost two television sets, solar batteries, gas tanks and three car batteries.
Officer in charge of Hillside CID, Detective Inspector Zwelihle Ndlovu said the area experienced an upsurge in cases of unlawful entry into premises and theft from vehicles from March to May 17.
He said on May 19, just before midnight, the station received a call from an alert Hillside resident to the effect that a black Honda Fit vehicle was parked at Hillside Shopping Centre with suspicious occupants.
“We immediately got to the scene, did some searches and discovered two Samsung television sets which the two occupants could not account for,” said Det Insp Ndlovu.
He said the suspects were taken into police custody for questioning and this led to the recovery of various stolen items.
