Mining detector theft suspect trial deferred

A 26-YEAR-OLD man from Cowdray Park in Bulawayo has been arraigned before the courts after he was found in possession of a stolen mining detector.

Brian Gumbo was not asked to plead when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Themba Chimiso on Monday.

Gumbo requested the court to postpone his trial date because he is sick and not fit for trial.

He was remanded out of custody and told to be summoned in court by way of summons for his trial date.

Gumbo was ordered to reside at his given address until the finalisation of the case and not to interfere with State witnesses.

It states that on November 29 at around 11am, along 2nd Avenue between JM Nkomo and Jason Moyo streets Bulawayo, Gumbo approached Ndlovu selling a mine detector for US$400.

Ndlovu became suspicious considering that its real price is US$2 500.

Gumbo was requested to produce papers for the detector and he ran away.

The court was told that Ndlovu was assisted by members of the public to apprehend Gumbo.

Gumbo was handed over to the police at Bulawayo Central Police Station.

The court also heard that Gumbo failed to give a satisfactory explanation for being in possession of the mine detector.

He also did not produce documents relating to the ownership of the detector.