Crimes and Courts Correspondent
A 24-year-old man from Mwenezi, Kelvin Chisandako, has been arrested for allegedly stealing a cash box containing US$20,000 from a Fawcett cash-in-transit vehicle along the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway.
The theft occurred on October 16 when Chisandako was offered a ride by the cash-in-transit team at Lutumba in Beitbridge. The vehicle was transporting cash from Beitbridge to Mutare.
After allegedly stealing the cash box, Chisandako reportedly went on a spending spree, purchasing various properties, which raised suspicions among local villagers. This led to their alerting the police, resulting in his arrest last Sunday.
According to Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, the suspect confessed to the theft. He had been seated at the back of the Fawcett vehicle with another passenger and took the cash box when he exited at the Mwenezi turn-off. Following his arrest, police recovered several items purchased with the stolen money, including bags of cement, building materials, a Toyota Aqua vehicle, clothing, and a cellphone. Additionally, about US$600 and over 2000 rand were found, along with the cash box, which was hidden in a small pit at Chisandako’s homestead.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding security and the safety of cash-in-transit operations in the region.
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