Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Zimpapers Writer
FOUR men who went on a coordinated housebreaking spree across several Bulawayo suburbs, stealing household goods, car batteries and tools, have been sentenced to a combined 25 years in prison.
The offenders — John Malunga (28), Menelisi Sibanda (24), Arise Moyo (29) and Fungai Chinjodzi (30) — were convicted on 20 counts of unlawful entry and theft when they appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Itai Kagwere, who handed down custodial sentences after finding that the crimes were carefully planned and systematically executed.
Malunga, Moyo and Chinjodzi represented themselves, while Mclean Mahaso of Liberty Mcijo and Associates represented Sibanda. Malunga was sentenced to 88 months’ imprisonment, while Sibanda and Moyo each received 82 months behind bars. Chinjodzi was sentenced to 46 months in prison.
In passing sentence, Kagwere said the quartet operated as a well-organised criminal network, carrying out prior reconnaissance before striking and taking deliberate steps to avoid detection.
“The accused persons meticulously researched their targets and expertly executed the offences. They operated as a network and covered their tracks effectively. None of the complainants managed to identify the offenders, which shows the level of sophistication involved,” said the magistrate.
Kagwere said the prevalence of organised housebreaking syndicates posed a serious threat to community safety and warranted stiff custodial sentences to deter similar crimes.
Prosecuting, Arnold Mudekunye told the court that the crime spree began on February 23 last year at around 4AM, when the four men broke into a house in Pumula East suburb while the complainant was asleep.
“They forced the door open using a metal bar and stole electrical gadgets, including a television set and two cellphones, before fleeing the scene in a Honda Fit,” said Mr Mudekunye.
Later the same month, using a similar modus operandi, the gang targeted another house in the same neighbourhood, where they scaled a precast wall, cut open the main door and stole a television set, microwave, laptop, three toolboxes and other electrical goods, which they loaded into their getaway vehicle.
On the night of March 2, the gang struck again, raiding two homes in Njube and Southwold suburbs. In Njube, they stole a printing machine, cellphones and a car battery, while in Southwold they made off with a black speaker box and groceries.
The court further heard that on March 24, the accused targeted a house in Malindela suburb, where they stole eight litres of petrol and a lawnmower.
During the same month, the gang continued its unlawful entry spree in other parts of the city, stealing property that included toolboxes, a drilling machine, a gas tank, car batteries, tyres and an electric pump.
