Zimbabwe: A suspected man aged 27 has been arrested for breaking into a hardware store in Masvingo and stealing 97 smartphones, 19 laptops and other laptop accessories which collectively worth US $18,000.
The suspected man is identified as Tinashe Pokwane who lives at Plot Number-8, Boundary Road, Riverside, in Gweru and was arrested following a tip-off. Pokwane stole the gadgets from Mussa Hardware Complex in Masvingo.
Criminal investigations Department (CID) spokesperson – Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri confirmed the arrest and said, “Circumstances are that, on Jan 14, 2024, the suspect proceeded to the shop and gained entry through the toilet window which was partially closed.
Detective Inspector added in the information, “He ransacked the shop before getting away with 97 smartphones, 19 laptops and other laptop accessories.”
As per the sources, detectives received information to the effect from the last week, that the stolen cell phones and other gadgets were already on the market in Gweru Central Business District and reacted to the information.
Moreover, the detectives have manged to locate the person in possession of the cell phones and interrogated him.
Inspector said that the interviews conducted revealed that the suspect was in Harare. Using their investigation acumen, detectives lured the suspect to Gweru.
Detective Mutweri also mentioned, “he was subsequently arrested in Gweru and a total of 54 cell phones, 19 laptops and their accessories were recovered.”
He added that the property stolen was valued US $18,000 and property recovered is of worth US $15,200.
Adding to his statement he said that the national Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) would like to extend its appreciation to members of the public for supplying credible information that led to the arrest of the suspect.
“We continue to implore property owners to embrace target hardening techniques such as the installation of CCTV cameras in order to avoid falling prey to criminals,” said ZRP.
Recently, Zimbabwe has recorded many such cases of robbery and theft and is about to take strict action to curb the crime, soon.