Chronicle Editor
Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu
POLICE in Bulawayo have nabbed two notorious thieves who were breaking into private premises to steal electrical gadgets valued at US$42 200.
One of them broke into 17 different premises including Mhlahlandlela Government Complex and stole laptops, phones and other appliances worth US$32 000 from June last year until recently when he was caught.
His arrest helped police clear 20 pending cases.
Joel Zvinoera (28) from Cowdray Park will be facing 17 counts of unlawful entry.
The second accused person Mbongeni Tshuma (22) who was also stealing laptops from private companies sold the loot to individuals in Harare.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said Zvinoera targeted premises including the ZITF offices.
“He would force open the doors using iron doors to gain entry. While inside the accused stole electrical gadgets like laptops, television sets, cash and other valuables. The accused would dispose the items to second hand goods dealers within and out of Bulawayo,” Insp Ncube.
“Police detectives received information from members of the public leading to his arrest while trying to sell a pair of sandals which were suspected to have been stolen. Upon his arrest and interview Zvinoera led police to the recovery of 18 laptops of different types, one upright KIC refrigerator and one 32-inch Television Set, music cross-over machine, an iron and nine pairs of sandals.”
Insp Ncube said in total Zvinoera stole property worth US$30 000 and police managed to recover those valued at only US$7 000.
He said the second accused Tshuma was arrested on Wednesday after members of the public tipped off detectives.
Tshuma had broken into the premises of a private company in the city centre.
“Tshuma climbed over water pipes attached to the building to gain entry into the premises. While inside he stole 18 laptops from the shop and went away,” said Insp Ncube.
“Detectives received a tip-off though community policing initiatives leading to Tshuma’s arrest. He led detectives to Harare where some of the laptops were recovered on Wednesday (April 26). Laptops valued at US$12 200 were stolen and only US$7 300 was recovered.”
Insp Ncube said the two men are still assisting police with investigations.
“Those who lost their properties may approach police at Bulawayo Central to identify their electrical gadgets.”
Commenting on the incidents the officer in charge CID Western Commonage Chief Inspector Herbert Kaniji urged companies to invest in tracking technologies to help curb crime.
“We are grateful for the help we got from members of the public and we urge companies to invest in technologies that will help us track stolen goods as it helps in cases of theft or break-ins. Some of the affected companies were tracking their electrical gadgets which helped us as we were investigating these cases. We also urge members of the public to always secure their premises so that they do not become victims to criminals,” he said.
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