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Takudzwa Matambura Court Reporter
A HARARE man broke into his neighbour’s house and reportedly stole over $6 000, a Harare magistrate heard last week.

Joseph Jeni (36) pleaded guilty to an unlawful entry charge when he appeared before Mbare magistrate Mr Stanford Mambanje.

He, however, said he only stole $1 800.

He was remanded in custody to April 3 for trial.

Prosecuting, Mr Tafara Chirambira, argued that Jeni was not a proper candidate for bail as evidence against him was overwhelming.

Allegations are that sometime in February, the complainant in the matter Ms Akanakaishe Muchagakara left home with her family and made sure the house was securely locked.

On February 26, 2017, Jeni hatched a plan to steal from Muchagakara.

He proceeded to the complainant’s house where on arrival, used a metal cutter to break the lock and gained entry.

It is alleged that Jeni stole a bag containing $5 300, another bag containing two passports and a plastic container that had bond coins amounting to $800 and got away unnoticed.

The court heard that Muchagakara only discovered the offence on March 9, and made a report to the police.

It is further alleged that the complainant received information that Jeni’s young brother was extravagantly spending coins which he alleged that he had discovered in his room and was not aware of where they came from, which raised suspicion that made Jeni the prime suspect.

Investigations were carried out by detectives leading to Jeni’s arrest.

Jeni later led the police to his house where $1 800 was found in his Jacket.