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Codelia Mondela, Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO man allegedly stole 30 electric motors worth about $62 000 and destroyed them for sell as scrap metal.

David Chimbanje (42) of Tshabalala allegedly stole the electric motors from Mr Tawanda Muringani sometime between 2014 and 2015.

The electric motors were being kept at some premises in Kelvin West once leased by Mr Muringani.

Chimbanje who was now leasing the premises, allegedly stole the motors which were being kept in a storeroom.

Yesterday Chimbanje appeared before regional magistrate Mr Joseph Mabeza facing theft charges.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded to October 5 on his own cognisance.

Testifying, Mr Muringani said after the owner of the premises Mr Kelvin Frank informed him that a new tenant was moving in, he left the electric motors within the premises as he had no place to put them.

“Chimbanje then placed the electric motors in a storeroom. After some time I visited the place and discovered that some electric motors were missing,” he said.

Prosecuting Mr Tinashe Dzipe said after stealing the motors, Chimbanje sold them as scrap metal.

“On August 29, 2014 to July 2015, Chimbanje crushed the electric motors and sold 1 614 kgs of cast iron, 5 938kgs of steel and 22kgs of brass from the electric motors,” Mr Dzipe said.

The court heard that Mr Muringani reported the matter at Western Commonage Police Station and investigations led to Chimbanje’s arrest.

@MondelaC