adminPaul Pindani in CHINHOYI
A CHINHOYI man, who broke into two houses and stole valuables worth over US$5000, has been jailed for 16 months.
Elson Tadzima John, 37, appeared before Chinhoyi Provincial magistrate, Langton Ndokera, charged with two counts of unlawful entry.
He was found guilty on both counts.
On the first count, Madzima was sentenced to five months, which were suspended on condition he pays restitution of $5500.
Another six months of the second count were also suspended on good behaviour.
Madzima will serve an effective four months in jail.
The first complainant is Sithabile Shumba, who resides in Gadzema, Chinhoyi.
Prosecuting, Ireen Mapfumo, told the court that on May 5, 2022, Shumba was asleep.
Madzima, together with his accomplice Innocent Tanaka, who is still at large, went to Shumba’s house and forced open the door, unlocking the system using a wheel spanner.
While inside the house, Madzima took a black 32-inch plasma television and a blue 5kg gas tank.
The following morning, Shumba discovered the offence and filed a report.
On May 10, 2022, information was received by detectives to the effect that Madzima was in possession of a television set, which he was offering for sale.
Following the tip-off, Madzima was arrested.
He was interviewed and led the detectives to the recovery of the television set from Steven Dzidzo, of 1418 Hunyani Section, where he had sold it.
On May 11, Madzima voluntarily made indications to the crime scene.
Shumba was invited to the police station, where she positively identified the television set, through the serial numbers.
The value of the stolen property is US$110.
On the second count, the court heard that Madzima connived with Tanaka, who is still at large, and took advantage of the absence of Norbert Marenya, the complainant, broke the door and gained entry into the house.
While inside the house, the two stole a 21-inch television set, 3kgs gas tank and its top, blankets, one set of black pots and a set of dolphin pots.
On May 10, Madzima was arrested.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter