Presidential Amnesty beneficiary arrested for unlawful entry 48 hours after his release

Michael Mashiri

A beneficiary of the recent Presidential Amnesty, Brian James, yesterday appeared before magistrate Ethel Rutendo Chichera, facing charges of house-breaking.

He allegedly broke into a house in Borrowdale 48 hours after his release on Friday.

James stole two blankets and a cell phone from Amanda Nkobwe’s residence.

James admitted that he specifically targeted Nkobwe’s house while she was attending church on Sunday.

Nkobwe had ensured her cottage by locking the doors.

All the windows and doors had been closed to ensure maximum security at home.

She placed the keys on the lower part of the roof, a habitual practice she maintained, just in case her housemates returned home early.

James told the court that he used the keys he had observed Nkobwe placing on the roof to gain access into the cottage.

He stole two blankets, a Huawei phone, Itel phone and an inverter, locking the door behind him as he left.

Nkobwe discovered the burglary upon returning from church and reported the theft at Borrowdale Police Station.

All the stolen property, with a total value of US$230, was successfully recovered from James, who confessed to the crimes.

The magistrate postponed sentence after the State said they were still looking for his previous convictions so as to come up with thorough submissions.