Zimpapers Logo

Elita Chikwati Senior Reporter
A Chegutu man from Musarurwa Village under Chief Zvimba has been convicted of 26 out of 35 counts of unlawful entry into premises and theft. Tafadzwa Chidarikire (23) was also arrested for theft of a motor vehicle.

He appeared in a Chegutu court last week and was convicted on his own plea for 26 counts of unlawful entry into premises and theft, and was remanded to November 23 for sentence.

The cases occurred in and around Chegutu and Kadoma.

During the period July 2017 to November 2018, Chidarikire terrorised low-density suburbs in Chegutu targeting various properties such as plasma television sets, gas cylinderd, gas stoves, laptops, blankets and other valuables.

According to police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, Chidarikire broke the windows and doors of the complainants’ houses while they were away and gained entry.

“In some houses he gained entry through partially opened windows,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba. “He also stole the keys of a Toyota Raum from one of the complainants which had been left on the table in the house, loaded the loot in the vehicle and drove away.

“Between the months of May 2018 to September 2018, the suspect used the same modus operandi in Kadoma and wreaked havoc in eight houses targeting various types of electrical gadgets.”

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said the police received a tip-off on November 9 from members of the public that Chidarikire was involved in the unlawful entry into premises and theft cases.

“A follow-up was made at house number 2797 ZMDC, Chegutu, where the suspect was staying,” she said. “He was interviewed and admitted to the 27 cases of unlawful entry into premises and theft.

“Police recovered 18 plasma television sets, seven gas tanks, one-plate gas stove, three cellphones, an open view decoder, two speakers, two sub woofers, three blankets and four bedspreads from six people who had bought the stolen goods and they were arrested for knowingly receiving stolen property.

“A Feg pistol was also recovered hidden in the bush at his home village in Zvimba.”

The total value of all the stolen property was $23 107 and property worth $13 590 was recovered.

“Police would like to applaud members of the public for their unwavering cooperation with the police in the fight against crime,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

“Members of the public are urged to always secure their premises, record serial numbers of property and put unique identification marks. Members of the public should avoid buying second-hand property with no proof of ownership from sellers as they risk being arrested for receiving stolen property.”