Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A BULAWAYO thief made the costly mistake of trying to sell stolen property in the same neighbourhood where it had been stolen, leading to his arrest just hours after the theft.
Andile Mathe (25) of Mabutweni, is alleged to have broken into an unlocked vehicle before making off with car parts and tools worth US$265, only for alert residents to recognise the items and tip off the owner.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the incident occurred on 4 July. A 38-year-old Mabutweni resident parked his Mazda B1800 at his home at around 9.30pm.
The complainant left the vehicle unlocked before retiring for the night. When he woke up the following morning at around 7am, he opened his vehicle and immediately realised something was wrong.
A sack containing several spanners that had been placed behind the driver’s seat had disappeared.
Also missing were newly purchased motor vehicle accessories, including five litres of Hilux engine oil, a GUD oil filter, four spark plugs, a petrol filter and a scissors jack.
Realising he had been robbed, the complainant began making inquiries in the neighbourhood while the theft was reported to the police.
Barely two hours later, at around 9.15am, the complainant received a phone call that would dramatically change the course of the case.
He was informed that a man was trying to sell the stolen property at Mabutweni shops.
Without wasting time, the complainant rushed to the shopping centre where he found Andile Mathe holding a sack filled with assorted spanners matching those stolen from his vehicle.
He confronted the suspect who admitted knowing where the remaining stolen items were.
He led the complainant to his place of residence in Mabutweni.
A search at the house resulted in the recovery of the remaining stolen property.
Insp Msebele said all the stolen property valued at US$265 was recovered, bringing the case to a swift conclusion.
