Serial office burglar pleads guilty to nine daring break-ins at government buildings
HARARE – A notorious Harare burglar, Romeo Kurai Pemba, 39, on Monday pleaded guilty to nine counts of unlawful entry following a string of daring break-ins at Mukwati and Kaguvi Buildings, where he stole computers and electronic gadgets worth more than US$23,000 from key government ministries.
Pemba, who has a long criminal record dating back to 2016, appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzayi facing nine counts of unlawful entry in aggravating circumstances under Section 131(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]. He was remanded in custody pending plea recording.
According to Detective Assistant Inspector Lloyd Tarenyika of CID Stores and Business, who is leading the investigation, Pemba embarked on a calculated burglary spree between June and September 2025, targeting several ministries, including the Office of the President and Cabinet, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT).
“The accused person was captured on CCTV committing the crimes, and the footage is held as an exhibit,” said Tarenyika. “Fingerprints uplifted at the scenes matched those of the accused, and he even led us to the recovery of part of the stolen property.”
Police said Pemba confessed to the crimes during interrogation.
“He indicated how he committed the offences, and the property recovered was positively identified by the complainants,” Tarenyika told the court.
The State opposed bail, arguing that Pemba is a repeat offender and a flight risk.
“The accused has no permanent residence and lives with a girlfriend in Chitungwiza. Given the seriousness of the charges and the overwhelming evidence against him, he is likely to abscond,” said the investigating officer.
Prosecutors described Pemba as a habitual criminal.
“Some of the stolen property is still missing, and if released, he is likely to interfere with recovery efforts and witnesses,” reads the case outline.
Police said the total value of property stolen was US$23,020, while only US$1,400 worth has been recovered so far.
Pemba, who was previously convicted under CRB HREP 10833/15, will return to court on Tuesday for plea recording and sentencing.
