POLICE in Bulawayo have arrested 14 juveniles aged between 11 and 17 in connection with a series of house break-ins and thefts that occurred in high-density suburbs over recent months.
The suspects are alleged to have committed more than 20 offences, including unlawful entry and theft, targeting residential properties in Tshabalala and Nkulumane suburbs. Items reportedly stolen include laptops, mobile phones and other household valuables, with the total value of the goods estimated at more than US$10 000.
Officer in Charge at CID Nkulumane, Detective Inspector Stanley Muya, said the arrests followed sustained investigations after a spike in house break-ins between October and January this year.
“There was an increase in house break-ins in Tshabalala and Nkulumane from the month of October to January. On January 4, we apprehended four juveniles and they led to the arrest of 10 more juveniles. There have been breaking into people’s houses stealing valuables like laptops and phones. They stole valuables worth over US$10 000,” Detective Inspector Muya said.
The community is shell-shocked with parents of the juveniles disheartened to see their little ones destroying their future.
“It is painful to see these children wasting away their future like this,” a Bulawayo community member said.
“I did not know that my children were partaking in such criminal activities. It pains me to see them here,” a parent noted.
Bulawayo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele urged parents to monitor their children.
“As parents, let us monitor the activities of our children. I also want to encourage the community to safeguard their homes and please, let us not keep huge sums of money at home.”
Most of the children accused of these crimes are under parental guidance, but will have to remain in police custody for now as the law takes its course.
