MWENEZI – Two suspected daring serial robbers who robbed many households, premises and many houses at Mwenezi Police Camp were eventually arrested last week.
Moses Chakaipa (36) and Joseph Tsemwa (30), of Mhlanga complex; Lutumba business centre in Beitbridge, and the Mwenezi district administrator’s complex respectively, last Wednesday appeared in the Magistrates’ Court facing eight counts of unlawful entry.
Chakaipa pleaded guilty to all the charges while his co-accused, Tsemwa denied everything and was remanded in custody pending further trial.
For all the counts, magistrate Honest Musiiwa sentenced Chakaipa to 36 months imprisonment of which six months were conditionally suspended for five years. This left Chakaipa to serve an effective 30 months sentence.
Appearing for the State, Willard Chasi said from April 20 – July 30 this year, the duo would – in the middle of the night – go to the places of residence of various police officers who work at Mwenezi Police Station.
While other police officers were away on duty, with others asleep at their respective houses, Chakaipa and Tsemwe would break-in.
They would then steal various electrical gadgets and other valuable property including cell phones, amplifiers, televisions and clothes. The two would take the stolen property to Beitbridge where they would then sale some while keeping other items for themselves.
The suspects were arrested after detectives received a tip off.
The total value of property that was stolen from all the eight complainants amounted to US$2 813 while recovered goods were valued at US$1 176.court
