By Prince Chese
A book vendor at Engen Garage Nkosilati Dlodlo has appeared before Beitbridge magistrate Brenda Kachepa, facing charges of theft of property.
It is alleged on September 1 this year and at Mashavire Shopping Centre Dlodlo allegedly stole books belonging to Simon Moyo.
He is denying the charge.
Prosecutor Olivia Chamutiya said on the day in question Moyo, who earns a living by selling books, was at Mashavira doing his business.
He left his books outside a shop when he went inside a shop to buy a drink.
He was away for about five minutes but when he returned he found his books and a black bag he used for carrying gone.
He reported to the police.
On 21 September he saw Dlodlo selling books and pretended being a customer when he became suspicious.
“I pretended to be a customer. I recognised the books because I cover them in a unique way using plastic for easy identification,” he told the court.
He further discovered books were unusually discounted unlikely for someone who will have legally bought them.
He informed the police resulting in Dlodlo’s arrest.
Kachepa postponed the case to October 20 for continuation.