A 21-year-old man from Old Lobengula in Bulawayo, Mthabisi Sibanda, has been sentenced to perform 105 hours of community service after pleading guilty to unlawful entry and theft charges. The sentence follows a break-in that occurred at the home of Mr. Atlas Ncube, a 55-year-old resident who had left his property unattended while visiting his rural home in Nkayi.
Sibanda appeared before Western Commonage Magistrate Mr. Wochiwunga, who handed down the sentence this week. In addition to the community service, which Sibanda must complete at Cowdray Park Health Centre within three weeks, the court also ordered him to pay US$80 in restitution to the complainant. The payment must be made through the Clerk of Court by 30 August 2025.
The court heard that the unlawful entry took place on 28 June 2025, while Mr. Ncube was away in Nkayi. Before leaving, Mr. Ncube, who lives alone, had secured his home and instructed his son, Alexander Ncube, who resides in Parklands, to check on the property periodically during his absence.
Old Lobengula Man Sentenced to Community Service for Unlawful Entry and Theft
The following day, Alexander visited the house and found that the main door lock had been broken. Upon entering, he noticed that several household items were missing and immediately alerted his father, who cut his rural visit short and returned home to assess the situation. A formal police report was subsequently filed.
The stolen goods included:
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A Samsung plasma television
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A remote control
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A TV power cable
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A three-metre white adapter
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An Ecco home theatre system
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A Huawei cellphone
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Two car batteries
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A toolbox
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Two black jackets
The total value of the stolen items was pegged at US$760.
According to prosecutor Ms. Audrey Kufandikanwe, the breakthrough came when officers from Njube Police Station visited Mr. Ncube’s home on a Sunday, bringing with them the accused, Mthabisi Sibanda. During questioning, Lobengula confessed to having played a part in the burglary. He admitted that he stood guard outside the gate while two unidentified accomplices broke into the house and took the valuables.
Sibanda then led the police to his residence, where several of the stolen items were recovered. These included:
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The Ecco home theatre system
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A TV power cable
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A remote control
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The three-metre adapter
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A toolbox
The Samsung plasma TV was recovered separately, reportedly from a buyer who had unknowingly purchased the stolen item. According to Sibanda, the remaining items—including the Huawei cellphone, car batteries, and black jackets—were taken by his two accomplices, who remain at large. Police investigations are ongoing in an effort to locate and apprehend the other suspects.
In sentencing, Magistrate Wochiwunga took into consideration Sibanda’s age, first-offender status, and his willingness to cooperate with police during investigations, including the recovery of stolen items. He also acknowledged Lobengula’s guilty plea as a sign of remorse, which helped spare the court a lengthy trial.
However, the magistrate emphasized the seriousness of the offense, pointing out that unlawful entry, especially when premeditated and executed with accomplices, poses a significant threat to public safety and property rights. He warned that repeat offenders would face stiffer penalties, including imprisonment.
The court ordered Sibanda to begin his 105 hours of unpaid work immediately, under supervision at Cowdray Park Health Centre. Failure to complete the service within the stipulated time frame could result in jail time. The US$80 restitution must also be paid in full by the end of August, or further legal action could be taken.
The incident has left residents of Old Lobengula and surrounding areas alarmed. Local leaders and police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods. Authorities also praised Alexander Ncube for his prompt action in reporting the break-in, which led to a swift recovery of most of the stolen items.
The case highlights the growing concern over petty crimes and home break-ins in Bulawayo’s suburbs, and law enforcement has vowed to continue tracking down the remaining suspects involved in the incident.
Source- Herald
