By Staff Reporter
The Gwanda Magistrates’ Court has sentenced a 29-year-old man, Msizi Dube of Matshetsheni Village under Chief Jabulani Ndlovu, to 12 months in prison for unlawful entry and theft in Colleen Bawn.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the offence occurred on September 2, 2025, when Dube broke into the home of a 65-year-old man at Stand 93, Capital Block, Colleen Bawn.
He reportedly forced open a door latch with an unknown object and stole a cellphone, solar panel, speaker, and two litres of cooking oil.
The complainant discovered the break-in upon returning from church and, with the help of community members, followed footprints leading to Thabani Dube’s homestead.
There, Msizi Dube was found lying on a bed. A subsequent search led to the recovery of the cellphone, solar panel, and speaker, valued at US$25 of the US$28 worth of stolen goods.
The cooking oil was not recovered.
The case was reported to police, resulting in Dube’s arrest and eventual conviction.
Magistrates handed down a 12-month effective jail term, stressing that unlawful entry and theft are serious crimes that undermine peace and security in communities.
NPAZ commended community members for their vigilance and swift cooperation with law enforcement, which was key in ensuring the offender was quickly brought to justice.
“Community members are applauded for their vigilance and cooperation. NPAZ encourages communities to continue working hand-in-hand with law enforcement in fighting crime. This unity ensures offenders are swiftly brought to justice,” read part of the statement.