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Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
POLICE in Bulawayo have recovered stolen electrical gadgets worth thousands of dollars following the arrest of two men suspected to be part of a gang that has been on a house breaking spree in the city.

Through investigations following a tip-off, police recovered nine television sets, ranging between 14 and 50 inches in size, six speakers and an amplifier.

The names of the suspects have been withheld as their accomplices have not been arrested.

One of the suspects, police said, is an unrepentant criminal who was recently released from prison.

Bulawayo acting police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said the property was stolen during the day in the western suburbs as well as the eastern suburbs.

He said some of the speakers may have been stolen from churches and the stolen property was sold to flea market operators.

“These are two separate incidents; one stole the televisions while the other is responsible for stealing the speakers. Both the arrested persons are in police custody and are assisting police with further investigations as it is suspected that there is more property to be recovered.

“We call upon members of the public to come and identify their stolen properties and we advise all property owners to record serial numbers of their electrical gadgets soon after purchase for easy identification in case it is stolen. In addition, you can also make a secret mark which you can use for identification before the police,” said Insp Ncube.

He advised people to take their remote control units to their bedrooms when they retire to bed saying thieves find it difficult to sell electrical appliances without remote controls.

The Officer Commanding Bulawayo West District, Chief Superintendent Mthokozisi Manzini Moyo, thanked members of the public for their co-operation in apprehending the suspects.

“We believe together, we can rid the city of crime. It is co-operation from members of the public that led to the arrests and recovery of property,” said Chief Supt Moyo.

“As police we’ll strive to bring to book all the criminals that are involved. We would also like to assure the community that besides recovering stolen property, our main thrust is to make sure that we are present within our communities so that we prevent the commission of these crimes,” he said.

Chief Supt Moyo appealed to members of the public to make it hard for thieves to get to their properties.

“We encourage people to install security systems that will assist in investigations and apprehension of criminals in the event of theft,” he said.

Last week, police in Bulawayo said shops selling second-hand property have become a haven for stolen goods. — @winnie_masara