Midnight thief jailed two years after break-in

A 25-year-old man who broke into a city electronics shop and stole property worth US$2,585 has been sentenced to serve two years in prison.

Abel Chitsvare, a male adult of no fixed abode, was convicted of unlawful entry and theft by Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate Mr Themba Chimiso after he was caught red-handed inside Zoom Electronics Shop along Fife Street between Leopold Takawira and 8th Avenue in Bulawayo.

Mr Chimiso sentenced Chitsvare on Wednesday to three years in prison and suspended one year for good behaviour. He will effectively serve two years behind bars.

In aggravation, Prosecutor Mr Samuel Mpofu said the offence was carried out in aggravating circumstances as Chitsvare damaged a zinc sheet and ceiling before gaining entry into the premises. He also stressed that the value of the stolen property was high.

“Cases of unlawful entry and theft are on the rise. As such, the State prays for a three-year custodial sentence as that will send a message to would-be offenders,” said Mr Mpofu.
Mr Mpofu told the court that on 26 April 2026 at around 12:52AM, Chitsvare removed a zinc sheet, damaged the ceiling and gained entry into the shop.

“Once inside, Chitsvare stole an assortment of property. However, the shop’s alarm system triggered and alerted Fawcett Security guards, who rushed to the scene and apprehended him. He was then escorted to a police station, leading to his arrest,” said Mr Mpofu.

The stolen property, valued at US$2,585, was recovered and recorded under ZRP Form 390.