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Shamiso Dzingire Court reporter
A 24-year-old Bulawayo man who went on a house breaking spree and stole goods worth over $2,000 was yesterday sentenced to five years in jail.

Arnold Dube broke into several homes in Cowdray Park suburb where he stole cash, electrical gadgets, cellphones and other valuables.

Dube pleaded guilty to eight counts of unlawful entry and theft when he appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Tancy Dube.

He will, however, serve an effective three and a half years after magistrate Dube suspended seven months on condition that he does not within that period commit similar offences.

A further nine months were suspended on condition that he restitutes the complainants of $1,350 on or before 30 November.

In mitigation, Dube told the court that he intended to sell the goods and raise money as he was unemployed.

Prosecuting, Kenneth Shava said on June 16 between 4AM and 8AM, Dube gained entry into Praymore Mpofu’s house through an unlocked door.

Shava said whilst inside, Dube stole Samsung and Nokia cellphones and went away unnoticed.

On August 12 at around 11PM, the court heard, Dube forced open the door at Vincent Ndlovu’s house in the same suburb.

“Having gained entry into the premises, Dube stole a Samsung Galaxy S4 cellphone, an I Phone 5C and a small Samsung cellphone and went away,” Shava said.

The court also heard how Dube forced open Sikhangele Kaboto’s door using an unknown object on August 15, and stole a 32 inch television set, a Samsung Ace cellphone, a pair of Blakes takkies, black trousers and $1,225.

“During the same morning, Dube proceeded to another house where he stole one wheel spanner, a tube of hair remover and $11,” Shava said.

The total value of the stolen property was $2,725 and goods worth $1,415 were recovered.