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Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
POLICE in Beitbridge have arrested a member of a three-man gang that allegedly broke into two schools and stole 90 tablets (phones) and related computer accessories worth more than US$40 000 that had been donated by World Vision.

Kepalitso Ndlovu (28) and his two acomplices allegedly broke into strongrooms at Tshanyaugwe and Ngoma Primary Schools.

The accomplices have been identified only as Public and Rinaye from Ngoma and are still at large.

The gang then stole the tablets and related computer accesories worth US$40 500 and R3 356 which had been donated to the two schools by World Vision.

On his arrest, Ndlovu was found with a CZ pistol loaded with two rounds.

The officer commanding Beitbridge district, Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo confirmed the arrest. He said the gang broke into the strongrooms between November 20 and 21.

“Ndlovu is facing charges of unlawful entry and theft as well as illegal possession of a firearm,” said Chief Supt Nyongo.

He said preliminary investigations reveal that between November 20 and 21, the suspects broke into strongrooms at Tshanyaugwe and Ngoma Primary Schools in Gwanda area and stole an assortment of items.

“At Tshanyaugwe primary school, they broke into the headmaster’s office and used a hammer to break the strongroom, drilled the school safe and stole 90 Lenovo tablets (phones) and accessories as well as HP laptop and a solar battery,” said Chief Supt Nyongo.

He said the gang proceeded to Ngoma primary school and used the same modus operandi to gain entry into the headmaster’s office.

“They stole an HP laptop, a black ThinkPad computer and a cash box containing R3 026.

The two cases of theft were reported to the police who reacted swiftly and arrested Ndlovu while on his way to Ngoma Business Centre in a donkey pulled cart.

“Our officers, apprehended Ndlovu and escorted him to his place of residence where searches were done in his bedroom leading to the recovery of a computer and a CZ pistol which was placed under a pillow. The serial number of the pistol was obliterated,” said Chief Supt Nyongo.

He said further searches at the house led to the recovery of a chain saw, grinder, hammer and a bore saw and cash amounting to R330.

 

During interrogation, Ndlovu admitted that the recovered property was proceeds of crime committed at Ngoma primary school while in the company of Public and Rinaye.

The suspect also revealed that stolen property from Tshanyaugwe primary school was hidden underground at the bank of Dendele River in the same area. “He then led the police to the site where the tablets were recovered hidden underground. A follow up was made in a bid to arrest his two accomplices who could not be located. Further investigations into the matter are underway,” said Chief Supt Nyongo. — @tupeyo .