The ManicaPost
Abel Zhakata Senior Reporter
A HEAVILY pregnant Mutare woman has confessed to being a habitual criminal after she was arrested for axing down a door and stealing property in a case that has left many puzzled.
The scheming Rosemary Sibanda (32) managed to carry assorted goods from the crime scene in full view of neighbours.
The stolen items include a big suitcase, a 5kg gas cylinder, shoes, clothes, washing powder, cooking oil and 20kg rice.
She also allegedly stole a Zimbabwe National Army identity card belonging to the complainant — Ms Prudence Takawira.
The burglary occurred in June in Destiny near Hobhouse. Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the case.
He said Sibanda was being charged with contravening Section 131 (1) (a) as read with Section 131 (2) (e) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
Insp Kakohwa said Sibanda went to Ms Takawira’s house and discovered that no one was around. She started doing some chores, including sweeping the yard in a bid to hoodwink neighbours into believing that she was employed there.
After gaining the confidence of the neighbours, Sibanda used an axe to force open the door and gain entry into the house.
She stole the property and vanished.
After about two months, the complainant heard about a woman who was breaking into various houses using the strategy that had been executed at her house.
Ms Takawira went to the police. Accompanied by the law enforcement agents, they visited Sibanda’s house in Hobhouse where a search led to the recovery of the complainant’s stolen property.
“Sibanda was subsequently arrested. Upon interrogation, she told the cops that she has been using an axe to break into various houses. The weapon was later recovered from a handbag,” said Insp Kakohwa. Detectives handling the case revealed that Sibanda confessed to being a habitual criminal.
