Thieves Caught After Stealing Diesel and Opening Shop Near Crime Scene

In a bizarre case of criminal misjudgment, three men from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, have been arrested for stealing 2,900 litres of diesel from Econet Wireless base stations and then attempting to sell it near the crime scene.

The trio—Themba Moyo (55), Carlton Ndlovu (44), and Tshidzani Mpofu (33)—were convicted on Monday, October 21, in the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court for multiple counts of robbery and illegally dealing in petroleum products.

The thefts occurred in May and June 2024, targeting Econet base stations in the Rangemore suburb and along the Bulawayo/Nkayi Road.

After stealing the diesel, the men set up a roadside stall nearby to sell the fuel, leading to their quick capture. The stolen items, including the 2,900 litres of diesel, mobile phones, a laptop, and sneakers, were valued at US$7,240.

Bulawayo regional magistrate Dambudzo Malunga noted that Mpofu’s confession led to the arrest of his accomplices, Moyo and Ndlovu.

She highlighted that their involvement was supported by credible evidence, pointing out the strange coincidence of their immediate attempt to sell the stolen diesel near the crime scene.

Despite their defense lawyer pleading for leniency, citing their status as first-time offenders and family breadwinners, their sentencing was expected to take place on Tuesday, October 22.

Prosecutor Owen Mugari detailed how the men executed the heists, overpowering security guards and siphoning diesel from the Econet base stations.

The first incident occurred on May 27 at a station in Rangemore, where they stole 900 litres of diesel and sold it to local dealers. After their arrest, police recovered 1,020 litres of diesel from a fuel dealer’s home.

The second heist took place on June 3 along the Bulawayo/Nkayi Road, where the men restrained a security guard and made off with 2,000 litres of diesel, along with other items. Police later recovered 620 litres of diesel from Mpofu’s home.