THREE suspects linked to a housebreaking syndicate that terrorised Bulawayo residents in Mpopoma suburb during the festive season have been arrested.
Godknows Sibanda (24) from Mpopoma suburb, Nickson Saunyama (22) of Pelandaba, and Lazarus Ngwarati (26) of Mabutweni suburb were involved in a series of unlawful entries and thefts.
During their housebreaking spree, the trio broke into several houses in Mpopoma suburb and stole electrical appliances and clothes.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said the suspects were arrested following a tip-off.
“Our officers acted on a tip-off after one of the suspects, Godknows Sibanda was spotted selling stolen items leading to his arrest and recovery of a stolen gas tank. The suspect then led police to his accomplices Nickson Saunyama and Lazarus Ngwarati,” he said.
Insp Ncube said stolen goods worth US$5 000 were recovered.
“As police, we appreciate the level of participation by members of the public in the fight against crime. We also urge the community members to enhance security at their homes,” he said.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated matter, a 23-year-old Bulawayo man was arrested for stealing a car, a Honda Fit from a person who had offered him a lift. The driver disembarked from his car to look for change leaving the suspect in the car. Upon his return he found the car missing.
The suspect, Admire Dhliwayo of Nkulumane was arrested after he got involved in an accident leading to the recovery of the car.
Insp Ncube said the victim, a 42-year-old man, was driving his car, a silver Honda fit from the Pumula South suburb when he picked upDhliwayo in Nkulumane 12.
Dhliwayo asked to be taken to a shopping centre in Emganwini suburb.
“Upon arrival at his destination, the suspect took out US$10 dollars from his pocket and gave the driver. Since the complainant didn’t have the change, he left the suspect in the car and went to look for change. When he returned he found his car gone,” said Insp Ncube. – The Chronicle
