A 47-YEAR-OLD notorious burglar, who terrorised residents in Marondera through break-ins and stealing plasma televisions, among other gadgets, was on Wednesday sentenced to an effective 12-year jail term by Marondera magistrate Arnold Maburo.
By Jairos Saunyama
Collen Marion Banda, who was early this year found in possession of 15 plasma television sets, appeared in court facing 12 counts of unlawful entry that occurred between May 2016 and February this year.
Initially, he was sentenced to 24 months on each count before half of them were suspended on condition of good behaviour on each count, leaving him with 12 effective years in prison.
According to court papers, on count one, Banda and two others, who are still at large, went to Antony Musomekwa’s residence in Winton Park during the night of May 6, 2016, and force opened the dining room window using a bolt cutter and gained entry after breaking the burglar bars.
While inside, the accused stole a 42-inch Ecco plasma television and a Samsung cellphone valued at $450.
Using the same modus operandi, the accused and his gang stole more plasma television sets and other gadgets through breaking into 11 more houses.
The total value of goods stolen in the 12 counts was pegged at $8 400.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
On February 5, police investigations, however, led to the arrest of Banda, who had sold one of the sets.
The police recovered 15 plasma TVs, gas stoves and home theatres, with some of the items being recovered from the people who had bought them.
Barbara Mabika represented the State.
