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CCTV implicates Builders Mart thief

A Zimbabwean man suspected to have stolen from Builders Mart on several occasions tried his luck one time too many last Monday.

In a week-long crime spree, 27-yearold William Moyo is believed to have repeatedly raided the Francistown hardware store between the 13th and 21st of June.

According to a source, he was busted after staff realised some of the packaged items on the shelves were empty.

“He would pose as a customer, open a box, remove the product, hide it in his jacket and then close the box up again,” revealed the source.

Moyo’s luck is said to have run out when concerned Builders Mart employees viewed the store’s CCTV footage and spotted the thief in action.

“They then waited for the suspect to return; sure enough he did, tried to steal again and was caught,” continued the source.

CHARGED

Appearing before Francistown Magistrates’ Court this week, the Mutare native was charged with theft as well as entering Botswana through an ungazatted point.

Although he pleaded guilty to being in the country illegally, Moyo maintained he did not steal anything.

He is accused of making away with P2,732.55 worth of goods, with his plunder including: lock sets, flexible ratchets sets, various spanners and padlocks.

Pleading for the suspect’s remand, Investigating Officer, Sargent Maitumelo Thupane, noted that as an illegal immigrant, Moyo was a flight risk.

“I only met with the accused on Sunday and I have not collected evidence yet. The accused person does not have a passport and permanent place of stay here in Botswana. We fear if given bail there is high possibility of him leaving the country,” warned Thupane.

Unsurprisingly, the accused was remanded behind bars, where he will remain until his next court appearance, on 22nd July.