Trio jailed for series of break-ins and theft of property worth over $6000

Three men from Makokoba, Hillcrest and Mzilikazi in Bulawayo who engaged into break-ins and theft from various houses in the city have been sentenced to varying jail terms for unlawful entry and theft.

Cabangani Sibanda (35) of Makokoba, Mvelo Sibanda (37) of Hillcrest and Brighton Bongani Ncube (21) of Mzilikazi were denying the charges when they appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Tinashe Tashaya. The magistrate convicted them after full trial and sentenced Cabangani to a total of 88 months in jail. Eight months of the sentence were suspended leaving him to serve an effective 80 months.

Mvelo was sentenced to a total of 72 months, 24 months were suspended for ten years on condition of good behaviour leaving him to serve 48 months in jail.

Ncube was sentenced to 72 months in jail and 12 months were suspended for ten years on condition of good behaviour leaving him to serve 60 months in jail.

The court heard that between April 2 and 3 last year the three went to Marylyn Fennando's residence at Sunninghill Bulawayo where they broke in and stole her property worth $1500 only property worth $980 was recovered after their arrest.

Between April 7 and 8 they also went to Joshua Mpofu's home at River Side in Bulawayo where they broke in and stole property worth $1130 and only property worth $640 was recovered after their arrest.

It is the state case that between April 8 and 9 they also went to Sibongile Ndlovu's home at Beiunevista in Bulawayo where they broke in and stole  property worthy $3406 and  property worth $3325 was recovered.

The total value of goods stole in all counts is $6036, property recovered is worth $4945.