Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara and Dalyn Chigwizura, Zimpapers Reporters
A 47-YEAR-OLD security guard, who was entrusted with guarding Carmel Primary School premises in Bulawayo, has been sentenced to one-and-a-half years in prison after he broke into the school’s offices and stole sporting equipment.
Nhlanhla Mkhwananzi of Mpopoma Flats in Bulawayo, who was employed by Fawcett Security Company, was convicted of unlawful entry and theft by Bulawayo magistrate, Ms Vimbayi Chirayi.
The magistrate sentenced Mkhwananzi to 18 months imprisonment, suspending six months for five years, on condition that he does not commit a similar offence, leaving him with an effective 12 months jail sentence.
Prosecuting, Ms Cynthia Lunga told the court that on 15 December, Mkhwananzi who is a security guard was on duty at Carmel Primary School, located at the corner of Samuel Parirenyatwa Street and 1st Avenue.
The court heard that while manning the premises, he unlawfully broke into a sports office by forcing open a window.
“He stole school property, which included three tennis balls, one cricket ball, three sunhats, a laptop charger, a satchel bag, swimming goggles, a small blanket and a dictionary,” said Ms Lunga.
The school authorities discovered the break-in and reported the matter to the police. Investigations led to Mkhwananzi’s arrest and all the stolen items valued at US$150 were recovered.
Meanwhile, in a closely related case, a security guard in Bulawayo has been sentenced to nine months in prison for stealing boards worth US$666, belonging to his employer.
Kudzanai Chikwiramakomo (53) of Mahatshula North suburb was convicted on his own plea of guilty to theft when he appeared before Western Commonage magistrate, Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube.
He was initially sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, with three months suspended for three years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period. A further three months were suspended on condition that he restitutes his employer, Boardex Zimbabwe, US$666 before 16 January 2026, leaving him with an effective nine months to serve.
The complainant was Boardex Zimbabwe, represented by Mr Fanuel Chidodo (41).
Prosecuting, Ms Cathrine Kuzu told the court that on 6 December at Boardex Zimbabwe Company along Old Khami Road, Chikwiramakomo connived with an accomplice, Sibonginkosi Ndlovu, who is still at large, to steal the company property.
The court heard that the pair stole 10 super wood white boards and one gloss white board, which they loaded into two separate vehicles at their workplace.
“While committing the offence, the accused persons were unaware that another security officer had arrived unexpectedly and witnessed them loading the boards,” said Ms Kuzu.
A police report was subsequently made and investigations led to Chikwira-makomo’s arrest and the recovery of some of the stolen boards valued at US$500.
