TO impress his girlfriend, a Hwange man broke into a
Catholic priest’s home and stole US$1 500 before showering the woman with gifts
while on a spending spree in Victoria Falls.
Admire Gwenzi (34) of 651 Bagdad in Empumalanga suburb used
US$400 to buy an iPhone, two other cellphone handsets and some clothes.
He pampered his girlfriend with US$900. It emerged that
this was not the first time Gwenzi had stolen from Fr Zamberlain Bruno who is
the administrator of Don Bosco Technical College in Hwange.
He once stole some money from the priest but was not taken
to court after the priest forgave him and withdrew the charges when he returned
the money.
In the latest incident, only US$200 was recovered from
Gwenzi on his arrest.
He pleaded guilty to aggravated unlawful entry into
premises when he appeared before Hwange magistrate Ms Rangarirai Gakanje who
slapped him with 24 months in jail.
The magistrate suspended six months for five years on
condition of good behaviour and suspended a further nine months on condition
that Gwenzi restitutes US$1 300 to Fr Bruno on or before September 30.
Gwenzi will serve an effective nine months in jail.
Prosecuting Mr John Mutyakaviri said Gwenzi broke into Fr
Bruno’s bedroom when the priest had gone for evening prayers on August 26.
“On the 26th of August at around 8pm, the accused proceeded
to Don Bosco Technical College and unlawfully entered into the complainant’s
room through an unlocked door. While inside he took US$1 500 which was in the
complainant’s wardrobe drawer and went away,” said Mr Mutyakaviri.
The court was told that the money had been brought from
Bulawayo on the same day and was meant for workers’ salaries and buying of
building material at Don Bosco.
Fr Bruno discovered the theft when he wanted to use the
money. He reported the matter to the police who arrested Gwenzi after
investigations and recovered US$200 only from him.
Gwenzi revealed to police that he had used the money to buy
an iPhone, two other cellphones and clothes worth a combined US$400.
He said he took the remaining US$900 to Victoria Falls
where he spent it with his girlfriend who stays there. Chronicle
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