Chitungwiza Man in Court for Murder of Burglar

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Assistant Editor

A Chitungwiza man has appeared in court facing murder charges after allegedly killing a burglar who broke into his home.

Benson Macharangwanda, 22, was brought before the Harare Magistrates' Court, where he was not asked to plead. He was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

According to the State, the incident occurred on December 2 at around 4:30 a.m. when Macharangwanda was awakened by the sound of an anti-theft alarm on his cellphone. The device, which had $250 in its pouch, was connected to a charger in his room.

Macharangwanda allegedly saw the burglar fishing the phone out of the room through the window. He got up and pursued the intruder, guided by the phone’s alarm.

After catching up with the man, Macharangwanda demanded his phone. The burglar reportedly claimed the phone had fallen back into the house. Macharangwanda then escorted him to the room, where an altercation ensued. The burglar allegedly drew a knife and attempted to stab him.

The court heard that Macharangwanda managed to block the attack after being alerted by his landlady. He retrieved his phone from the burglar's shorts and escorted him off the premises.

The burglar later began complaining of injuries sustained during the altercation. He was taken by relatives to Chitungwiza Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.