The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa and Julia N’andu
TWO Dangamvura teenagers were hauled before the courts on allegations of stealing $6 500 from a boyfriend’s place which they handed over to bouncers for safekeeping. Bridget Mhlanga (18) of House Number 10659, Federation, Dangamvura and her 14-year-old friend were both remanded in custody to November 28 when they appeared in court for initial remand.
Mhlanga who was on the run was arrested and appeared before Mutare magistrate, Ms Mrs Tracy Muzondo last Thursday. Her 14-year-old accomplice appeared before Mr Tendai Mabwe.
Mr Fletcher Karombe prosecuted on both matters. The pair was being charged with theft as defined in Section 113 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
They both denied the theft charges. Allegations were that Mhlanga who is a girlfriend to Dawn Mazendure was invited to the latter’s residence and went there with her 14-year-old friend.
“On October 30, as Mhlanga and her friend were cleaning the house, the minor is alleged to have searched Mazendure’s toolbox where she found $6 500 stashed in it.
“She took the money and showed it to Mhlanga. They agreed to hide it and later shared the money. The 14-year-old got $3 500 as she was the one who had found it and Mhlanga got $3 000.
“They proceeded to town where the juvenile gave her share to a man who was only identified as Tafadzwa,” said Mr Karombe.
Mhlanga also gave her share for safekeeping to one Ambitious Machite, a local bouncer.
It was further alleged that on November 4, Mazendure became suspicious and decided to check for his money only to discover that it was missing. He then interviewed them, to which Mhlanga admitted that she had been shown the money by her juvenile friend.
The minor was arrested by the police on November 6 and Mhlanga who was on the run was also arrested on November 15.
Investigations were made and led to the recovery of $240 from Ambitious Machite. The total outstanding amount is $6 260.
Citing his reasons for a custodial remand, Mr Karombe said Mhlanga was not a first offender and that the last time she had been granted bail on a different matter, she committed a similar theft offence on the same day.
“Your Worship, the day she was granted bail on a different theft matter was the same day she is alleged to have stolen the $6 500 from Mazendure. She also does not have a verifiable address and is definitely not a suitable candidate for bail,” said Mr Karombe.
He also told the court that the teenagers were facing a serious offence that involved a lot of money and if granted bail, they might abscond and flee to neighbouring countries.
