Online Reporter
Ryan Sibanda and Getrude ManyandeZimpapers Writers
A 51-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man who allegedly targeted parked vehicles in the city centre, stealing cash, electronic gadgets and other valuables, has appeared in court.
Sailas Muzondiwa of Entumbane suburb appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Shingai Mutiro facing two counts of robbery and theft as defined in Section 113(1)(a)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
He was remanded in custody to August 14.
The State alleges Muzondiwa targeted two vehicles parked in different parts of the city centre on April 1, stealing property worth more than US$1 200 in total.
Prosecuting, Mr Jethro Mada told the court that at around 6PM, Nobesuthu Mutemi (45) parked her Toyota Bubble at a parking lot along Fife Street between 5th and 6th Avenue before going to the market.
She locked the vehicle and closed all the windows before leaving.
The court heard that Muzondiwa allegedly smashed the passenger-side window to gain entry before stealing a Samsung Tablet A9, a handbag containing US$435 and cosmetics.
The total value of the stolen property was put at US$825, with only the Samsung tablet, valued at US$390, recovered.
The court heard that the tablet was later traced to Muzondiwa after he allegedly handed it to his wife, who sold it to a man identified as Norman Madzivire.
“On April 24, information was picked that Muzondiwa handed the stolen Samsung tablet to his wife, who sold it to one Norman Madzivire, where it was recovered,” said Mr Mada.
A few hours later, Muzondiwa allegedly targeted another vehicle parked at a hotel along Josiah Tongogara Street between 9th and 10th Avenue.
The court heard that Angel Ngwenya (48) had parked her Mazda at the hotel and locked all the doors and windows before leaving.
Muzondiwa allegedly used a set of duplicate keys to unlock the vehicle and gained access.
However, his alleged attempt was interrupted when Ngwenya and her daughter returned to the vehicle and found
him seated in the driver’s seat.
The court heard that Muzondiwa abandoned Ngwenya’s bag and attempted to flee.
The bag contained a Samsung tablet, US$5 and perfumes, with the total value of the stolen property pegged at US$405.
Members of the public gave chase and apprehended Muzondiwa before he could escape. He was handed over to the police, leading to his arrest. The stolen property in the second incident was fully recovered.
