In a bizarre case of criminal misjudgment, three men from Bulawayo have been arrested for stealing 2,900 litres of diesel from Econet Wireless base stations and then attempting to sell it near the scene of the crime.
The trio—Themba Moyo (55), Carlton Ndlovu (44), and Tshidzani Mpofu (33)—were convicted on Monday, October 21, in the Bulawayo Magistrates' Court of Zimbabwe for multiple counts of robbery and illegally dealing in petroleum products.
The thefts took place in May and June 2024, targeting Econet base stations in Rangemore suburb and along the Bulawayo/Nkayi Road. After stealing the diesel, the men set up a roadside stall nearby to sell the fuel, leading to their swift capture. The stolen items, which included 2,900 litres of diesel, mobile phones, a laptop, and sneakers, were valued at US$7,240.
Bulawayo regional magistrate Dambudzo Malunga described how Mpofu's confession led to the arrest of his accomplices, Moyo and Ndlovu. She emphasized that the trio’s involvement was confirmed by credible evidence, noting the odd coincidence of their immediate attempt to sell the stolen diesel near the crime scene.
Despite their defence lawyer pleading for leniency due to their status as first-time offenders and family breadwinners, their sentencing is expected to take place on Tuesday, October 22.
Prosecutor Owen Mugari detailed how the men carried out the heists, overpowering security guards and draining diesel from Econet base stations. The first incident occurred on May 27 at a station in Rangemore, where they stole 900 litres of diesel and sold it to local dealers. Following their arrest, police recovered 1,020 litres of diesel from a fuel dealer’s home.
The second heist occurred on June 3 along the Bulawayo/Nkayi Road, where the men restrained the security guard and made off with 2,000 litres of diesel, as well as other items. Police later recovered the stolen goods, including 620 litres of diesel, from Mpofu’s home.
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