Zimbabwean teacher steals from Eswatini delegate

A 27-year-old teacher, Kidman Paradza Chingowo, has appeared before a Harare magistrate facing charges of theft and unlawful entry after allegedly stealing electronic items belonging to a foreign conference delegate during an event in the capital.

Chingowo pleaded guilty and was remanded in custody awaiting sentencing.

The complainant, Zandisile Rosemane Nowe, an employee of the Eswatini Environment Authority, was attending the Integrated Solid Waste Association Africa Regional Chapter Conference held on March 30 and 31 in Harare. The conference was organised by the Ministry of Environment, the Environmental Management Agency, and Geo Pomona Waste Management, and brought together delegates from countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Eswatini and Zambia.

The court heard that on March 30, the accused allegedly gained entry into the hotel conference area where delegates were meeting. He is said to have posed as a guest before taking advantage of a brief absence by the complainant to steal a bag containing an HP laptop, charger, spectacles, mouse, and a twin plug.

When the theft was discovered, hotel staff reportedly reviewed CCTV footage, which allegedly identified the accused. The matter was then reported to Harare Central Police, leading to investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Stores and Business unit.

Police later conducted surveillance and arrested Chingowo on April 3 after he was allegedly seen returning to the hotel. Investigators also reportedly recovered some of the stolen items, including a twin plug, from his residence, while other items had already been sold to a dealer at Margolis Mall.

The total value of the stolen property was estimated at US$2 000, with US$1 500 worth of items recovered, according to court records.