Sithembinkosi L Jiyane
Crimes & Courts Reporter
A late-night crime spree in Bulawayo ended abruptly after police arrested two suspects accused of stealing goods from parked vehicles in quick succession.
Simphiwe Masuku (35) and Zanele Mpofu (46), both residents of Makokoba, appeared before Magistrate Vimbai Chirai, where they pleaded guilty to theft charges and were remanded in custody pending.
Prosecutor Joseph Rugara told the court the incidents occurred on January 30, 2025, when the pair allegedly targeted vehicles in the city centre during the busy year-end period.
The first theft reportedly took place along JMN Nkomo Street, where complainant Joseph Ushe had briefly left his Toyota vehicle unattended.
The court heard the accused opened the loading compartment and stole a cooler box valued at US$40 before fleeing. Police officers on patrol intercepted them shortly afterward and recovered the property.
Minutes later, the pair allegedly struck again on 8th Avenue, targeting a vehicle belonging to Cleophas Gokova. They are accused of taking a case containing ten 1-kilogram packets of salt worth about US$5, but were again apprehended by patrol officers, who recovered the stolen goods.
In court, Masuku admitted he had been drinking and said he intended to resell the salt at his small grocery stall. Mpofu reportedly spoke softly and appeared disoriented while responding to questions, suggesting she may also have been intoxicated.
The rapid arrests in both incidents underscored how routine police patrols can quickly disrupt crime in busy urban areas.
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