Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
“HE ran, but the long arm of the law ran faster!” – Police
A Cowdray Park man thought he could outsmart the law, until cops caught him red-handed, lugging stolen sunhats, gumboots and a welding machine near Renkin Terminus!
Thabo Dube (29), of Cowdray Park and his partner-in-crime, Mkhululi Ncube, broke into National Foods on Basch Street in the early hours of 16 May.
Like a scene out of a low-budget heist movie, the duo allegedly smashed a storeroom window and helped themselves to 26 work suits, 88 sunhats, 3 pairs of gumshoes, and a welding machine. But their luck ran out just minutes later.
“At around 0340 hours, our officers were patrolling near the long-distance bus terminus when they noticed two men carrying suspicious-looking property,” said Inspector Nomalanga Msebele Nomalanga, the Bulawayo police spokesperson. “When approached, one of them bolted. The other, Thabo Dube, was not so lucky.”
Police say Dube failed to explain where the goods came from, leading to his arrest and the recovery of all stolen items, valued at US$1 128.44.
A storeman at National Foods filed a report later that morning after discovering the break-in. When shown the recovered loot, he confirmed it matched the missing stock.
After being cornered during further interrogation, Dube reportedly crumbled under pressure and confessed to the burglary.
Police are now hot on the trail of the other suspect, Mkhululi Ncube, who is still on the run.
“We are out in full force,” warned Insp Msebele. “Criminals must change their ways. We are watching the city day and night—it’s only a matter of time before we catch them.”
