A Bindura man who broke into a house before he disappeared with property ended up selling the loot to the police officers who effected his arrest.
For the offence, Tinashe Chiwara (23), of Bindura, appeared before Bindura Magistrates’ Court, where he was sentenced to an effective 8 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to unlawful entry and theft.
The offender was initially sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, with 4 months suspended for 5 years on condition of good behaviour, leaving eight months effective.
On July 18, in Dzeka Village, Chief Matope, Mt Darwin, Chisara broke a front window to gain access into the home of Ephiphania Madzonganyika (56), who was away in Harare.
The house had been left in the care of her landlady.
Once inside, the offender stole household items including three blankets, a 3kg gas tank, two jackets, two pairs of trousers, a pair of black sneakers, a wristwatch, a salt shaker and socks, all valued at US$70.
The following day, the victim reported the break-in to the Neighbourhood Watch Committee, who tracked Chiwara’s footprints, leading to the recovery of some stolen blankets hidden in the nearby Chisa Mountain.
The offender was later found at Mukuradzi River Police Base attempting to sell the gas tank and another blanket to police officers, resulting in his arrest.
When apprehended, the offender was wearing some of the stolen clothes, which were positively identified by the victim.
All property was recovered.
