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Nyaradzo Bakari/ Sylvester Chiramba, Chronicle Reporter
A SERIAL robber from Bulawayo has been sentenced to nine and a half years in prison for stealing property worth more than $1 000 and stabbing a police officer who was arresting him.

Master Ndlovu (32) from Old Lobengula suburb stole empty petrol and water gallons from two houses in Emganwini suburb as well as groceries from two supermarkets in Pumula and Njube suburbs.

Ndlovu entered both supermarkets after removing asbestos sheets.

He also stabbed a police officer who arrested him when he was caught stealing at Njube General Dealers shop.

The robber is said to have committed the crimes between August and October with two accomplices, Nhlanhla Moyo and Brian who are still at large and the property and groceries stolen were worth $1 096.

Ndlovu who was facing five counts pleaded guilty to unlawful entry, assault and two counts of theft before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Stephen Ndhlovu.

He denied stealing from a supermarket in Njube, saying he missed the time he and his accomplices had set to steal at the shop.

The magistrate convicted him of all the five counts.

Mr Ndhlovu sentenced him to eight and a half years in prison, and then added another year that had been suspended when Ndlovu was convicted of unlawful entry and theft in 2013.

Ndlovu will, however, serve an effective six and a half years in jail after the magistrate suspended three years on condition that he does not commit a similar crime in the next five years.

“It is clear that you were not reformed in 2013 and you do not need to be in society. There is no way I can avoid sending you to prison because you are not fit to live in society,” said the magistrate before sentencing Ndlovu.

Asked why he stabbed Constable Wayne Mathe, Ndlovu said he wanted him to let go of him and escape from being jailed.

Prosecuting Mr Mufaro Mageza said Ndlovu stole from two houses in Emganwini and two supermarkets in Pumula and Njube suburbs. He also stabbed Constable Mathe who apprehended him for unlawful entry last week on Monday.

“On October 9, the complainant who was on duty saw the accused person inside Njube General Dealers Shop. He arrested the accused while his accomplice escaped. The accused produced an okapi knife and stabbed the complainant on the left palm,” he said.

Mr Mageza said Ndlovu removed asbestos sheets at the shop and gained entry to Jabulani Supermarket in Pumula and Njube General Dealers in Njube.

The prosecutor said none of the stolen property was recovered. — @NyarieBakie