Notorious trio nabbed

Chipinge Correspondent
THE long arm of the law finally caught up with three housebreakers who had caused a reign of terror in Chipinge by breaking into shops and stealing various goods.
The trio — Stephen Bangwayo (23), Polite Bangwayo (22) and Blessing Makoto (22) — pleaded guilty to all 16 counts of unlawful entry and theft when they appeared before Mr James Gapara on Monday.

Mr Gapara was still to sentence the trio at the time of going to press.

Prosecuting, Mr Brian Madzura said on June 5, the three unlawfully entered into Ms Sarah Mwafondora’s Machisi Shop at Pfidza Business Centre.

They stole windowpanes, 24 Super Chibuku beer containers and cash amounting to $96.

“On another day unknown to the State, the trio again unlawfully broke into Chiwaraidze Butchery and stole 18 x $1 Buddie airtime cards, 16 x 300ml soft drinks, a 10m-long electric code and $40.

“They also broke into Mr Mhlanga’s shop at Shekwa Business Centre and stole groceries worth $250.

“On July 6, the three struck again at Sidhuna Shop in Chipinge town. They used a knife to break the back door and gained entry into the storeroom. One of them entered, while the other two kept guard. They stole property worth $500,” he said.

Mr Madzura said on July 19, detectives in Chipinge got a tip-off from members of the public about the trio’s spending spree.

Investigations were done leading to the trio’s arrest.

“Upon interrogation, the trio admitted committing the offences and led the detectives to all the premises they had broken into,” said Mr Madzura.

The trio stole goods worth $1 227 but only property worth $453 was recovered.