Arron Nyamayaro
A Gweru man has been arrested for stealing 97 smartphones and 19 laptops from a shop in Masvingo.
Tinashe Pokwane (27) broke into the store on January 14 before stealing the devices and accessories from Mussa Hardware Complex.
He was located after police received information that the stolen phones had hit the market. Detectives then arrested him and recovered a total of 54 smartphones, 19 laptops and accessories.
The value of the stolen property was estimated to be US$18 000.
Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson, Detective Inspector Rachael Muteweri, said Pokwane gained entry through a toilet window which was partially closed.
“On January 23, detectives received information that the stolen cellphones were already on the market in the Gweru Central Business District.
“They swiftly reacted to the information and managed to locate the person in possession of the cellphones.
“Interviews conducted revealed that the suspect was in Harare. Detectives lured the suspect to Gweru where he was subsequently arrested and a total of 54 cellphones, 19 laptops and their accessories were recovered.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to extend its appreciation to members of the public for supplying credible information that led to the arrest of the suspect.
“We continue to implore property owners to embrace target hardening techniques such as the installation of CCTV in order to avoid falling prey to criminals,” said Det Insp Muteweri.