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Amanda Chikari, Midlands Reporter
A 25-YEAR-OLD man from Gweru who went on a house breaking spree in Mkoba 16 and 17 suburbs, stealing property worth more than $3 000 has been jailed for four years.

Lawrence Simbarashe Manduza pleaded guilty to eight counts of unlawful entry and theft before Midlands Provincial Magistrate Ms Judith Taruvinga.

In passing sentence, Ms Taruvinga said she considered the seriousness of the premeditated crime spree. “You strategically pre-planned the time of committing the crimes and from the property you stole nothing was recovered. You will effectively serve three years after one year has been suspended on condition of good behaviour,” she said.

Prosecuting, Mr Bernard Nyoni told the court that from June 22 to July 16 Manduza broke into eight houses. “On June 22 this year at Mkoba 17 accused person gained entry into Albert Vurombo’s house and stole three cell phones valued $700. On the following day the accused person gained entry into the premises of Petronella Matiza through an unlocked door and stole cash and a cell phone which all amounted to $1 360,” said Mr Nyoni.

He said on June 25, Manduza gained entry into Mr Patrick Ncube’s house in Mkoba 17 and stole three cell phones as well as cash. Mr Ncube is said to have lost $164 in total.

“Using the same modus operandi on the following day accused person broke into Bonomali Nombi’s house where he stole a cell phone valued $250,” he said.

The court heard that three days later, Manduza broke into Ms Juliet Rusawo’s house and stole a laptop and a cell phone both valued at $650. On the same day in the same suburb, he went to Ms Abigail Ndlovu’s house where he stole a cell phone worth $25 through an open window and went away unnoticed.

On July 4 in Mkoba 16, Manduza gained entry into Ms Susan Hungwe’s house and stole a phone valued at $70.

The matter came to light on July 16 when he was caught red-handed attempting to steal a laptop worth $280 at Ms Melody Makaipa’s house in Mkoba 17.

@amanda49