Police in Bulawayo have arrested 14 juveniles aged between 11 and 17 in connection with a spate of house break-ins and thefts that have affected several high-density suburbs over the past few months, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed.
In a statement, yesterday, ZRP National Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the suspects are linked to more than 20 cases of unlawful entry and theft involving residential properties in Tshabalala and Nkulumane suburbs.
He said the arrests followed sustained investigations by police officers responding to growing reports of burglaries in the affected areas.
“Police in Bulawayo arrested 14 juveniles aged between 11 and 17 years in connection with a series of house break-ins and thefts which have been occurring in high-density suburbs over recent months.
“The suspects are linked to more than 20 cases of unlawful entry and theft from residential premises in Tshabalala and Nkulumane,” he added.
Nyathi said the group allegedly targeted homes during times when occupants were away, stealing various household items which were later recovered in some instances.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects would unlawfully gain entry into houses and steal property including laptops, mobile phones and other household valuables,” he said.
According to police, the value of the stolen property is estimated to be more than US$10 000, raising concern over the scale of the criminal activities allegedly committed by juveniles.
“The total value of the stolen property is estimated at over US$10 000. Police are concerned by the involvement of juveniles in such organised criminal activities and investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the crimes and whether there are other accomplices involved,” he said.
Nyathi said police were also engaging parents and guardians as part of the investigations, noting that the involvement of minors in crime required collective responsibility from families and communities.
“We continue to urge parents and guardians to closely monitor the activities of their children and instil discipline, as failure to do so exposes them to criminal conduct and the justice system at a very young age,” he said.
He added that police patrols and surveillance had been intensified in high-density suburbs to curb property-related crimes.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will continue to deploy resources and enhance visibility in residential areas to prevent house break-ins and thefts,” Nyathi said.
Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious behaviour to the nearest police station.
