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Brenda Zinyuke, Court Reporter

A SUSPECTED thief who allegedly jumped from the roof of a building in Bulawayo after stealing RTGS$70 from a woman has been hospitalised.

Charles Kapume, whose age was not given and Newton Mthethwa (47) both of Makokoba suburb, allegedly connived to steal from Ms Nosizo Phakathi (29).

Mthethwa pleaded not guilty to theft when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Ulukile Mlea-Ndlovu.

The magistrate remanded him out of custody on $100 bail to November 1.

Kapume did not appear in court as he is still admitted to hospital.

The court heard that Kapume jumped from the roof of People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB) building located at the corner of Fort Street and 13th Avenue resulting in his injuries.

Prosecuting, Mr Mufaro Mageza said on October 16 this year at around 3PM, Ms Phakathi was at Pick n Pay Hyper supermarket when she was given money by her husband. “While the complainant was walking along Herbert Chitepo Street, she was approached by the accused persons,” he said.

Kapume and Mthethwa allegedly searched the complainant’s satchel and stole her money before running away.

Ms Phakathi allegedly screamed for help while chasing after the men who ran towards 12th Avenue.

“When the first accused person noticed that members of the public were about to catch him, he climbed onto the roof of POSB Bank,” said the prosecutor.

As people were still making plans to apprehend him, Kapume allegedly jumped off the building to the pavement where he sustained injuries.

The two men were then apprehended by members of the public and were taken to Bulawayo Central Police Station.

Kapume was referred to hospital for medical treatment. — @zinyuke98