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Police officer jailed after phone theft spree in Victoria Falls
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A police officer entrusted with maintaining law and order is now behind bars after being caught stealing cellphones in a brazen crime spree that shocked residents of the resort city.
Thulani Sibanda (24), a constable stationed at the Gweru Police Protection Unit (PPU), was remanded in custody after pleading guilty to two counts of theft before Victoria Falls magistrate Gift Manyika on Friday. He is set to return to court on Monday for sentencing.
According to State prosecutor Portia Moyo, Sibanda's descent into criminality began on 12 May 2025 when he visited a friend's home in Chinotimba. While they relaxed outside and listened to music on an Itel A70 smartphone, the friend stepped into the house briefly — only to return and find both the phone and the police officer missing.
When contacted, Sibanda initially claimed he would return the device, but soon after, he switched off his phone and disappeared. Investigations led to the recovery of the smartphone from one Nyasha Samsun, who told police he had bought the phone from Sibanda for an undisclosed amount. The phone, valued at US$270, was successfully recovered.
Just two days later, on 14 May, Sibanda allegedly targeted another victim at Moringa Shopping Centre. This time, he posed as a customer before seizing the opportunity to snatch a Samsung Galaxy smartphone from a shop counter while the shopkeeper's back was turned. He fled the scene undetected.
However, his luck ran out on 15 May when he was arrested on a separate theft allegation. During a search, officers discovered the stolen Samsung device in his possession. The phone, worth US$200, was also recovered, and the owner later confirmed ownership.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with many expressing disbelief that a law enforcement officer would engage in petty theft. As Sibanda awaits sentencing, he now finds himself on the receiving end of the justice system he once served.
From protector to perpetrator, Sibanda's case has raised concerns about discipline and accountability within the police force.
Thulani Sibanda (24), a constable stationed at the Gweru Police Protection Unit (PPU), was remanded in custody after pleading guilty to two counts of theft before Victoria Falls magistrate Gift Manyika on Friday. He is set to return to court on Monday for sentencing.
According to State prosecutor Portia Moyo, Sibanda's descent into criminality began on 12 May 2025 when he visited a friend's home in Chinotimba. While they relaxed outside and listened to music on an Itel A70 smartphone, the friend stepped into the house briefly — only to return and find both the phone and the police officer missing.
When contacted, Sibanda initially claimed he would return the device, but soon after, he switched off his phone and disappeared. Investigations led to the recovery of the smartphone from one Nyasha Samsun, who told police he had bought the phone from Sibanda for an undisclosed amount. The phone, valued at US$270, was successfully recovered.
Just two days later, on 14 May, Sibanda allegedly targeted another victim at Moringa Shopping Centre. This time, he posed as a customer before seizing the opportunity to snatch a Samsung Galaxy smartphone from a shop counter while the shopkeeper's back was turned. He fled the scene undetected.
However, his luck ran out on 15 May when he was arrested on a separate theft allegation. During a search, officers discovered the stolen Samsung device in his possession. The phone, worth US$200, was also recovered, and the owner later confirmed ownership.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with many expressing disbelief that a law enforcement officer would engage in petty theft. As Sibanda awaits sentencing, he now finds himself on the receiving end of the justice system he once served.
From protector to perpetrator, Sibanda's case has raised concerns about discipline and accountability within the police force.
Source - zimpapers
