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Beitbridge Bureau
A NOTORIOUS housebreaker who had unleashed a reign of terror spanning six months in Beitbridge was on Friday convicted on nine counts of unlawful entry and one count of possessing articles for criminal use.
Thobekani Mpofu (30) had the habit of breaking into houses using a crowbar or bolt cutter and stealing electrical gadgets, mostly television sets.
He was arrested on Monday following a tip-off.
Detectives recovered property worth US$8 000.
Mpofu pleaded guilty to all charges when he appeared before Beitbridge Magistrate Ms Vavariro Gabi.
He was remanded in custody until Monday for sentencing.
Prosecutor Mr Tawanda Chigavazira proved that Mpofu had been involved in a series of house break-ins around Beitbridge from November 2023 until his arrest on May 6.
He would conduct surveillance on premises, break in using a crowbar or bolt cutter and steal electrical gadgets, food and money.
In some instances, he would pounce on his victims’ houses during the day.
Mpofu’s tools of trade, including a crowbar, bolt cutter and padlock keys, were recovered.
The properties recovered have since been positively identified by their owners.
Online Reporter