Burglar falls asleep at crime scene

Gibson Mhaka

SLEEPING on duty, quite literally!

In a dramatic turn of events, a burglar ran out of luck and was reportedly busted sleeping at the crime scene after stealing property suspected to have been “fenced” using juju.

After successfully stealing household property, Romeo Dzawanda (31) from Kokwa Village under Chief Negomo in Mashonaland Central province was caught snoozing at the crime scene surrounded by his stolen goods, including a 5kg gas tank, two-plate gas stove and two blankets.

This was heard when Dzawanda appeared before Concession magistrate Joshua Nembaware charged with unlawful entry into premises in aggravating circumstances as defined in Section 131(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment.

Dzawanda will, however, serve an effective 24 months in jail after 12 months were suspended for a period of five years on condition he does not commit a similar offence.

In mitigation, Dzawanda pleaded for the court’s mercy saying when he committed the offence he had gone to see his girlfriend who took his money and was staying at the complainant’s place.

The court heard that on 15 April at Chokureva Village, Dzawanda went to Taurai Musenga’s house and cut her bedroom door using an unknown object and gained entry while the complainant was away.

He then stole a 5kg gas tank, two blankets and two-plate gas stove and went out of the house.

It is reported that before he could make good his escape he suddenly fell asleep surrounded by his stolen goods.

Dzawanda was apprehended by members of the community who found him sleeping at the scene with the stolen goods and escorted him to Chombira Police Station. The value of the stolen property was US$110 and all was recovered.