adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
A MASKED Motswana broke into a bank in Masvingo and was apprehended by members of the public as he fled after setting off an alarm. Goltsemadimo Sekgokong (45) and an unidentified accomplice successfully disabled five security cameras at Stanchart Bank but were stumped by a sixth. Sekgokong’s woes mounted when he was found with dagga soon after his arrest.
For the foray into the bank on May 6 and possession of dagga, Masvingo provincial magistrate Mr Langton Ndokera yesterday sentenced Sekgokong to an effective three years and 20 days in prison.
The court heard the Motswana and his accomplice wore ski masks to raid the bank at around 11PM. They climbed over a gate and got busy blinding the security cameras. Sekgokong, who was listed as being of no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty to breaking into the bank.
Mr Ndokera, however, convicted him due to overwhelming evidence and sentenced him to three years for unlawful entry and 20 days for possession of dangerous drugs.
Passing sentence, Mr Ndokera said Sekgokong deserved a deterrent sentence that would teach other offenders that the country has laws against criminals.
“I understand in Botswana they do not condone crime especially of this nature. Zimbabwe is no exception. You deserve a deterrent sentence that will send a clear message to would-be offenders.
“You should not come here on a mission of unlawfully entering banks at night and possessing dagga,” said Mr Ndokera.
For the State, Ms Reward Chakanyuka said while in the company of unidentified accomplice, Sekgokong went to Standard Chartered bank where the pair gained entry into the yard by climbing over a gate.
“On May 6 at around 11PM, the two accused went to the bank and climbed over a gate into the yard. The two disabled five security cameras placed in different positions outside the building. Their mission was however, cut short as they, in the process of disabling another security camera, triggered an alarm on the premises,” said Ms Chakanyuka.
The court heard a security guard rushed to the scene and found the pair frantically trying to stop the alarm.
“The two masked men abandoned their mission and scaled a steel gate out of the premises. They fled in different directions,” said the prosecutor.
“However, Sekgokong’s freedom was short-lived as he was quickly apprehended by members of the public, barely 300metres from the scene.”
She said the people who effected a citizens’ arrest on the Motswana searched him and found a mask, bolt cutter and a pair of gloves.
“He was further searched and a stub of dagga was found on him. He was taken to the police leading to his arrest. His unidentified accomplice remains at large,” said Ms Chakanyuka. — @walterbmswaize
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