Serial thieves remanded in custody

Until that person is proven guilty and convicted by the courts of law, that person, no matter what evidence is against him/her, is presumed to be innocent

Sharon Buwerimwe, Court Reporter

FOUR serial thieves allegedly broke into several houses in Bulawayo and stole household goods worth nearly $100 000. Tawanda Gumbomunda (23), Prince Ncube (19), Qinisani Tshuma (24) and Gabriel Ncube (25) allegedly broke into Mr Geneva Sibanda’s home in North End suburb while he was away in Victoria Falls and stole household property worth $46 000.

The gang also confessed in court that they broke into several houses in North End suburb and sold the property.

The court heard that during the same month, the gang allegedly broke into another house in the same suburb and stole household property worth $69 000.

Yesterday they pleaded guilty to unlawful entry and theft before Western Commonage magistrate Ms Tancy Dube.

The gang was remanded in custody to October 2 for continuation of trial.

Prosecuting, Mr Tapiwa Solani said on August 22 this year at around 12AM, the gang allegedly broke down Mr Sibanda’s door to gain entry and stole his property. “While inside the house, the accused persons stole a refrigerator, PA system, four suitcases with clothes, an electric jar, microwave, speakers, 35-inch television set, television stand, 21 plates, two DVD player and blankets,” he said.

During the same month, the gang proceeded to another house in the same suburb where they took a water pump, two refrigerators, carpets, curtains, two television sets, clothes, garden chairs and cell phones while the owner of the house was away.

Mr Solani said the gang got unlucky when they were caught by Mr Sibanda’s neighbour stealing property and he alerted the police. “Mr Sibanda’s neighbour heard some noises at the complainant’s place and went to see what was happening. He saw a silver Toyota vehicle parked at the complainant’s gate and the accused persons were busy loading the stolen property. When they realised that that they have been seen, they immediately drove off,” he said.

The housebreakers were arrested while they were trying to sell the stolen property in Cowdray Park suburb after an anonymous tip-off. — @sharonbuwe