Sidumisile Mabena
Moreblessing Ncube
WHILE some people welcomed 2026 with prayers, resolutions and clean slates, two Makokoba friends allegedly decided to kick off the year with a crime spree targeting anything that was not nailed down, only to settle for items hardly worth a night behind bars.
A 35-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman appeared before the Bulawayo Magistrates Court after teaming up for a late night town raid that yielded a cooler box and a case of salt.
Simphiwe Masuku and Zanele Mpofu pleaded guilty to theft before magistrate Vimbai Chirai and were remanded in custody to today, turning their New Year adventure into a sobering lesson.
Masuku, swaying slightly in the dock, told the court he was under the influence of alcohol when the crimes were committed. He openly admitted to grabbing the case of salt, explaining that he intended to use it at his small market stall where he sells groceries.
The court heard that the salt haul was meant to boost business, not breakfast, although it ended up boosting his criminal record instead.
When asked to explain her role, Mpofu stood silently in the dock, whispering words no one could make out. It was obvious to the court that she too was likely intoxicated during the spree.
Prosecutor Joseph Rugara told the court that the thefts took place on 30 January 2025, at a time when people in town were busy running errands and preparing for the New Year.
Instead of joining the festive rush with shopping lists and good intentions, the duo allegedly chose to usher in the year by stealing from unsuspecting motorists.
The first incident occurred along JMN Nkomo Street. The court heard that Joseph Ushe had parked his Toyota vehicle and stepped away briefly to attend to errands. That was when Masuku and Mpofu allegedly struck.
They reportedly opened the vehicle’s loading box and grabbed a cooler box valued at $40 before sprinting off.
Their crime spree, however, was short lived.
Police officers on patrol quickly caught up with the pair, recovering the stolen cooler box before it could chill a single drink.
Undeterred by their narrow escape, the duo allegedly struck again moments later along 8th Avenue.
The court heard that Cleophas Gokova had parked his Toyota when Masuku and Mpofu swooped in and snatched a case of 10 by 1 kilogram salt valued at just $5.
Once again, the pair attempted to flee, but police officers on patrol were quick to intervene, arresting them and recovering the stolen salt.
Their bold New Year crime spree ended with two petty items returned to their owners and two suspects sobering up in police cells.
Online Reporter