Serial Burglar Arrested After Terrorising Gimboki Residents

A suspected serial burglar accused of terrorising Gimboki residents and stealing property and cash worth US$25,250 has been arrested.

The accused, Macdonald Saidi Bwanali of Area C, Dangamvura, has already appeared at the Mutare Magistrates’ Court facing 12 counts of unlawful entry in violation of Section 131 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].

The offences were allegedly committed between January and July this year.

Bwanali appeared before Magistrate Poterai Gwezhira last Thursday. He was not asked to plead and was unrepresented, while the State was led by prosecutor Sandra Mlambo.

He was remanded in custody to 21 August for initial remand.

According to Mlambo, detectives managed to track down Bwanali following a vital tip-off from a well-placed informant. Said Mlambo:

“He was arrested in Dangamvura on July 24, through the assistance of an informer, who was put to task by detectives to supply information on his whereabouts.

“On July 26, Bwanali was sent to court on a warrant of arrest, and was remanded in custody. He was then retrieved from remand prison and interviews were conducted, leading to the clearance of 12 more counts of unlawful entry into premises.”

The court was told that Bwanali had a routine — breaking into empty houses with unknown tools and making off with everything from cash and clothes to groceries, household goods, and electrical appliances. Said Mlambo:

“In the first case, which occurred on January 28, Bwanali allegedly broke into the home of Mr John Marutanana while the complainant was away at training.

“He stole cash amounting to US$15 000 and Rands 14 000, an inverter, blankets, wheelbarrow, clothing, shoes, and cellphone among other items.

“Property worth US$4 500 was recovered after his arrest, including a Toyota Wish allegedly bought from the proceeds.”

On April 4, Bwanali allegedly broke into the home of Ms Yvonne Madzirashe, stealing a television set, battery, blankets, pots, clothing, and US$160 in cash. Property valued at US$585 was later recovered.

On May 10, he is said to have raided the home of Mr Phineas Nemaunga, making off with US$3,800 in cash, a 42-inch television set, a subwoofer, a DVD player, bank cards, clothes, blankets, and groceries. Items and cash worth US$850 were recovered.

Prosecutors further allege that on March 28, while Mrs Febbie Muringwe was away in the rural areas, Bwanali broke into her home and stole nine blankets, sheets, groceries, clothing, and cash. He later led detectives to the recovery of some of the stolen blankets and sheets.

Bwanali’s alleged housebreaking spree continued, targeting the homes of Tracy Marange on June 9, Edmore Chikoshana on June 18, Rita Machiri on June 26, Kudakwashe Makone on July 4, Sevia Nyapimbi on July 6, Betty Mutasa on July 9, and Juma Yard sometime in May.

Count 12 stems from the June 18 break-in at the home of Netsa Karimu, where he allegedly stole comforters, blankets, clothes, and shoes. Two comforters were later recovered.

In total, property and cash valued at US$25,250 were stolen during the spree, with goods worth US$7,405 recovered following Bwanali’s arrest. He remains in custody awaiting trial.

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