HARARE, Jan 21 (NEWSDAY LIVE) – Harare magistrate Rufaro Panavanhu on Tuesday sentenced a member of the President’s Department to 36 months in prison after he was found guilty of three counts of theft from government offices.
George Marufu (32), who is employed as a security aide and broke into the Home Affairs ministry offices, pleaded guilty to three counts of unlawful entry in aggravating circumstances.
Twelve months of the sentence were suspended on condition of restitution and he will serve 24 months effectively.
Prosecutor Dzidzai Josiah said on the night of October 17 last year, Marufu gained entry to the premises and stole, from a 13th-floor office of Emmanuel Kahute, a laptop, a power pack and a pair of sheets before disappearing.
Martin Jimu who works as a security aide on the building, discovered the offence almost a week later and reported the matter to the police.
On another count in November, Marufu broke into George Marunga’s office on the 20th floor of the same building and stole five laptops before disappearing.
Keep Reading
- Safari lodge owner in soup
- UFIC worshipper defrauded by churchmate
- Spook admits stealing from Home Affairs office
Jimu discovered the offence the following day and made a police report.
The court heard that on another day, Marufu presented himself at the reception at Mukwati Building intending to proceed to the 20th floor.
He produced his President’s Department identity document as well as his national identity card.
The prosecution stated that Marufu failed to give a satisfactory explanation of his purpose on the floor and attempted to get away but was apprehended by members of the public.
Police detectives recovered the laptop from one Kudzai Mutswangwa, who had bought it from Marufu for US$80.