Harare — Detective Constable Nomore Muradzikwa appeared in court on Wednesday to give testimony in a case involving four accused individuals facing a total of 19 counts of unlawful entry and theft. The charges relate to a series of alleged burglaries in which the suspects are accused of stealing a wide assortment of household and personal items.
According to the police, the stolen goods include televisions, car batteries, fridges, gas stoves, gas tanks, three bottles of whisky, and a blanket. The accused—John Malunga, Menelisi Sibanda, Arise Moyo, and Fungai Chinjodzi—are alleged to have orchestrated a coordinated operation to unlawfully enter homes and businesses, taking valuable items in a string of theft incidents.
Detective Constable Muradzikwa, who is leading the investigations, recounted the events leading to the arrests. On May 20, he explained, he and his team apprehended John Malunga and Menelisi Sibanda near Hillside Shops, where they were reportedly parked in a Honda Fit, waiting for a client to purchase a stolen television. The officer described the arrest as a crucial breakthrough in the investigation, as it allowed police to trace the remaining members of the group and recover the stolen property.
During his testimony, Muradzikwa stated that upon questioning, Malunga implicated Arise Moyo and Fungai Chinjodzi, providing information that led investigators to the location where the stolen items had been sold. Acting on this information, the police were able to recover a significant portion of the stolen property, strengthening the case against all four accused.
Muradzikwa further explained that many of the items were positively identified by their rightful owners. The detective confirmed that seizure forms, which detailed the stolen goods and the circumstances of their recovery, were tendered in court as evidence. These documents provided a clear record linking the accused to the stolen property, bolstering the prosecution’s claims.
The detective’s testimony also highlighted the methodical approach taken by law enforcement in tracking and recovering the stolen goods. Each step, from the initial arrests to the identification of items by victims, was carefully documented to ensure a robust case. Muradzikwa stressed the importance of community cooperation, noting that witnesses and victims played a key role in confirming ownership of the recovered items.
Detective Testifies in Case Involving 19 Counts of Theft
The court proceedings revealed that the accused allegedly targeted a range of items to maximise profit, from electronics such as TVs and fridges to household necessities like gas stoves and tanks. The inclusion of three bottles of whisky among the stolen goods illustrated the variety and opportunistic nature of the alleged thefts.
As the case unfolded, it became clear that the accused had operated with a degree of planning, using vehicles to transport stolen goods and arranging sales with buyers in a manner that allowed them to evade detection—at least temporarily. The recovery of the property and the arrests of the suspects marked a significant step toward bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Throughout his testimony, Detective Constable Muradzikwa provided detailed accounts of the investigative process, including the methods used to trace the items, identify the suspects, and corroborate claims with victims. The court was presented with physical evidence, such as the recovered items themselves, and documentation that clearly linked the accused to the thefts.
The four accused remain in custody as the legal proceedings continue. The court has yet to announce a trial date, but the evidence presented by Muradzikwa underscores the prosecution’s determination to pursue all 19 counts of unlawful entry and theft. Observers noted that the case highlights ongoing challenges in combating property crimes in urban areas, as well as the critical role of thorough police investigations in securing convictions.
In conclusion, Detective Constable Muradzikwa’s testimony provided the court with a comprehensive account of the alleged criminal activities, the methods of investigation, and the recovery of stolen property. With 19 counts of unlawful entry and theft pending, the case remains a significant focus for law enforcement and the judiciary. The thorough documentation and identification of stolen goods are expected to play a decisive role in ensuring that justice is served for the victims whose property was unlawfully taken.
Source- Herald
