Zimbabwe’s Dumbest Criminals: Bulawayo Trio Steals Diesel and Sets Up Stall Near Crime Scene

Bulawayo Trio Steals Diesel and Sets Up Stall Near Crime Scene

Three men from Bulawayo might have earned themselves the title of Zimbabwe’s most foolish criminals after pulling off a bizarre heist, stealing 2,900 litres of diesel from Econet Wireless base stations, only to brazenly sell it near the scene of the crime.

The trio, identified as Themba Moyo (55) from Njube, Carlton Ndlovu (44), and Tshidzani Mpofu (33) from Gwayi, Plumtree, were convicted in the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court on Monday for multiple counts of robbery and illegally dealing in petroleum products. During their daring raid, they also robbed two security guards of gadgets and cash.

The stolen goods, including diesel, two mobile phones, a laptop, and a pair of sneakers, amounted to a total value of US$7,240. Their sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday.

Bulawayo Trio Steals Diesel and Sets Up Stall Near Crime Scene

According to the court, the men executed their crimes in May and June 2024, targeting Econet base stations in Rangemore suburb and along the Bulawayo/Nkayi Road. In an almost comical twist, after stealing the diesel, the men immediately set up a roadside stall near the crime scene to sell the fuel. This led to their swift capture.

In her ruling, Bulawayo regional magistrate Mrs Dambudzo Malunga revealed that Mpofu was the first to be apprehended, and his confession implicated Moyo and Ndlovu. Evidence collected during the investigation confirmed their involvement in the thefts.

“The court finds that it is not by coincidence that immediately after the Econet base stations were robbed, the three were found selling diesel the following morning. The court has found credible evidence that the three offenders are guilty of the crimes,” said Mrs Malunga during the ruling.

Although the trio’s defence lawyer argued for leniency, stating that they were first-time offenders and breadwinners with minor children, their plea did little to soften the weight of the charges.

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How the Heists Unfolded

Prosecutor Owen Mugari recounted the events leading to the arrests. On May 27, the trio arrived at the Econet base station in Rangemore suburb in a silver Honda Fit driven by Mpofu. Armed with tools, they overpowered the on-duty security guard, tied him up with cable ties, and stole his mobile phone. They proceeded to drain 900 litres of diesel from the station and transported it to Emakhandeni, where they sold it to local fuel dealers.

Following their arrest, police recovered 1,020 litres of diesel from a fuel dealer’s home, valued at US$992.

On June 3, the men struck again at another Econet base station along the Bulawayo/Nkayi Road. Using the same tactics, they restrained the security guard and made off with a cell phone, US$150 cash, a laptop, sneakers, and 2,000 litres of diesel. Police later discovered the stolen items at Mpofu’s home, along with 620 litres of diesel.