Zimbabwean thief fights SA extradition

THE State yesterday made an application for the extradition of Mahlathini Mpofu of Plumtree who is wanted in South Africa on charges of housebreaking and stealing a car and goods worth R500 000 at A-Z Electrical Contractor.

The regional prosecutor-in-charge Admire Chikwaya made the submission before regional magistrate Merylene Mutshina, who set the matter for December 3.

Allegations against Mpofu, who was an MPC Security Company employee in South Africa, are that on February 26 he broke into the premises of A-Z Electrical Contractor in South Africa and stole a Mazda B22 and various goods worth R500 000 while on duty guarding the premises.

Mpofu reportedly broke the plastic roof, front door and back door lock of the building to gain access. After the burglary, he fled from South Africa to Zimbabwe.

It is the State's case that on the same day at around 5am, the manager of the company, Andrew Ndlovu, realised that there was burglary and alerted the South African Police Service (SAPS) who investigated the case in conjunction with the Zimbabwean police, leading to Mpofu's arrest.

The State heard that Mpofu used Sifiso Vincent Mthethwa's South African identity particulars by affixing his photograph on the document.

Most of the stolen goods were recovered at his family homestead in Plumtree.

His Uncle, Sibanele Mpofu, who used to work with Mahlathini, confirmed that Mpofu was the one with the name Sifiso Vincent Mthethwa.

His testimony was supported by MPC Security manager Ndlovu.

In mitigation, Mpofu asked the court to finalise the case in Zimbabwe.

He lashed at his uncle saying he came all the way from South Africa to give false testimony against him.

In his submissions, Chikwaya said South Africa was a designated country where Mpofu could be extradited to.