$10m laptops stolen

A NYANGA man landed himself in trouble after rendering aiding theft of 19 laptops that were donated to a Nyanga school through a Government programme.

Shupikai Urombo (25) of Mutanga Village under Chief Saunyama’s area was recently convicted by Nyanga magistrate, Ms Notebulgar Muchineripi.

Urombo was convicted of unlawfully rendering assistance after the commission of a crime.

He was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, of which six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour.

The remaining 14 months were set aside on condition that he performs community service at Chatindo Clinic.

Urombo had pleaded not guilty to the offence. Prosecutor, Mrs Elinah Gadzai said Murombo, working in cahoots with other suspects that are still at large - Munashe Chikodo and Tatenda Urombo - broke into Nyakomba Secondary School and stole the laptops.

“On September 24, 2022 during the night, Shupikai Urombo, Munashe Chikodo, and Tatenda Urombo hatched a plan to steal laptops from Nyakomba Secondary School. They proceeded to the school and broke into the administration block to gain entry into the strong room.

“While inside, they stole 29 Hp250 laptops and went to hide them at Shupikai’s house. On September 27, 2022, Shupikai, Munashe and Tatenda loaded the stolen 26 laptops in Shupikai’s bag. They left three laptops behind.

“Shupikai then handed over the laptops to Tatenda so that he could take them to Harare and sell them. They later shared the proceeds.

“On October 10, 2022, information was received that Munashe and Tatenda had committed the offence. Investigations were carried out, leading to Shupikai’s arrest and the subsequent recovery of three other laptops that he had given to Tatenda’s wife, Tinashe Mandigora,” said Mrs Gadzai.

Nyakomba Secondary School headmaster, Mr Owen Mutsikamahwe positively identified the laptops through their serial numbers on October 13, 2022.

The value of the stolen property is $10 million and only laptops worth $1 035 000 were recovered.

In his defence, Shupikai stated that his brother, Tatenda, gave him the three laptops to hand over to his wife.

He said he did not participate in the commission of the offence, nor did he render any assistance to the criminals.