Serial house breaker jailed 20 years
By Auther Chimbgwa
A Chitungwiza man has been jailed for 20 years after he was found guilty of committing a spate of burglaries and robbery cases in Harare.
Police spokesperson for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Detective Inspector Rachael Muteweri confirmed Gift Elliot Mushonga Chibvongodze’s conviction by a Mbare magistrate.
Chibvongodze, whose age was not given, committed the crimes in Arcadia, Cranborne, Queensdale and Hatfield areas in Harare.
“He would break into premises, ransack houses, and in some cases, threaten the occupants, who in turn would submit to his taking,” said Detective Inspector Muteweri in a statement.
“Following his arrest in May 2024, the criminal was linked to a total of seven unlawful entry into premises in aggravating circumstances and three robbery cases.
“In one notable incident that occurred on 23 December 2023, the criminal took advantage of the victim’s absence at his premises, went on to force open a locked door, gained entry into the house where he stole US$4 785.”
On 10 January 2024, Chibvongodze broke into another house where he made off with US$1 000 and cell phones, among other valuables.
Using the same modus operandi, Chibvongodze, on 2 February 2024, broke into another business premise, vandalised a mounted safe before stealing US$7 800 cash.
On 21 April 2024, Chibvongodze, broke into yet another victim’s premises and made off with US$6 800.
That very night, he robbed another victim of US$1 610, before striking again and stealing property valued at US$800 from another victim.
Various cell phones were recovered following his arrest.
“He was recently convicted and sentenced to 240 months imprisonment, 40 months were suspended for 5 years on condition of good behaviour while 12 months were suspended on condition that he restitutes victims,” said Muteweri, further applauding the Courts for their concerted effort in the fight against crime.
