Three men in court over ZITF pavilion theft

Dalyn Chigwizura, Court Reporter

THREE men who allegedly broke into an international exhibition stand during the 65th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo, have appeared in court facing theft charges.

The trio — Denford Tsama (26), Shelton Mudzukwa (29) and Joseph Moyo (42) — stand accused of breaking into the Mozambique Pavilion between 6PM on April 28 and 6AM on April 29.

Prosecuting, Ms Portia Mashashu told the court that the accused used an iron bar to break the locks and force open the main entrance. They allegedly stole a 53-inch Samsung television before fleeing the scene.

“The value of the stolen item is US$554, and nothing was recovered,” said Ms Mashashu.

On the second count, two of the accused allegedly returned to the same pavilion on May 3 at approximately 8pm and stole a wooden coffee table and a carpet.

“They loaded the stolen items into a Honda Fit vehicle, registration number AFP 4482, and drove off,” said Ms Mashashu.

She said that the duo was intercepted by security personnel stationed at the ZITF entry and exit points, leading to the recovery of the stolen property, valued at US$400.

All three men were remanded in custody until May 30.