Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
POLICE in Beitbridge have arrested a 30-year-old man who was in the habit of breaking into houses using a crowbar or bolt cutter targeting electrical gadgets, mostly television sets.
Acting officer in-charge of criminal investigations department (CID) in Beitbridge, Detective Inspector Stanley Muuya, said Thobekani Mpofu of Dulivhadzimu suburb had so far been linked to eight cases of housebreaking and theft (unlawful entry).
He said through indications they have recovered property worth US$8 000 against a total value of property worth US$16 000 that he stole from around Beitbridge.
“We arrested the suspect on Tuesday following a tip off and took him for indications leading to the recovery of an assortment of television sets he stole within the town and various goods with US$8 000,” said Det Insp Muuya.
“Further investigations are in progress and we are still to recover more property he had taken to Mutare.
“Indications are that the suspect would conduct surveillance on most premises before pouncing on the premises as soon as the owners leave or fall asleep. He would break doors and gates using a crowbar or bolt cutter and we have since recovered his tools of trade.”
The senior police officer said more recoveries were pending and advised members of the community to practise target hardening or to secure their properties all the time. He said Mpofu would pounce on his victims’ houses even during the day.
Det Insp Muuya warned members of the public against buying goods from strangers as they risk being arrested for receiving stolen property.
“At the same time we want to thank the community for their continued support with valuable information as we continue to fight crime in our area,” he said.
Acting police officer commanding the district, Superintendent Philisani Ndebele said Mpofu had unleashed a reign of terror in the town in the past few weeks.
He warned offenders and those engaged in similar operations that the long arm of the law will catch up with them. Supt Ndebele said they have started rolling out anti-crime awareness campaigns around the district with the help of community leaders.
“We have seen a surge in unlawful entry and robberies in our policing area, hence we are being proactive and engaging the community,” he said.
“Our idea is to reduce crime, promote good relations between police and community and bridge gaps.
“There is strength in numbers and team work and we advise the public to make sure they safely secure their properties and leave someone at their homes when travelling to minimise the recurrence of such cases.” — -Follow on X: @tupeyo
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