By Prince Chese
A 26-year-old Beitbridge man has appeared before the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court facing charges of unlawful entry and theft after breaking into a residence and stealing cash and personal property.
Collen Masese was arrested by Beitbridge police and appeared in court on Monday January, 19 where he pleaded guilty to the charges.
According to the State, Masese unlawfully entered a property at house number 4649, New Medium, Beitbridge, on 6 December 2024, and stole two pairs of formal shoes, a black travelling bag, two piggy banks, and cash totaling about R4 000 and US$280.
The complainant, Tawedzera Chisandako, who operates a water-selling business using a white two-ton lorry, reported the matter after discovering the break-in and missing property.
Prosecutor Tawanda Chigavazira told the court that the accused unlawfully entered the premises and took the listed items without consent.
In mitigation, Masese explained that he committed the offence to repay a loan borrowed from relatives earlier in 2024.
He further told the court that two pairs of formal shoes and the black travelling bag had since been recovered, and he requested additional time to repay the stolen cash.
Presiding Magistrate Brenda Kachepa remanded Masese in custody pending sentencing, which has been set for 21 January.