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By Tiny Sibanda
A 24-year-old Woodlands Park Phase 1 resident, Tichaona Mundanga, was sentenced by a Gweru magistrate on Monday to three months in prison or a $126 fine after being convicted of stealing metal fence poles from River Valley Properties, following his arrest last week while attempting to sell the stolen items to a neighbour who alerted authorities.
The court heard that on 25 March 2026, Mundanga removed three iron poles from a Woodlands Park Phase 2 site before being arrested in Ascot Extension. He must pay the fine by 17 April 2026 to avoid jail. River Valley Properties welcomed the ruling, with CEO Ambassador Smelly Dube saying it would deter vandalism. She added that security has been tightened, with patrols, an electrified fence, and cameras being installed.
The incident is one of three recent vandalism cases in the suburb. Last week, another resident, Tichaona Musoka, was detained for allegedly cutting the perimeter fence. The company is developing Woodlands Park Phase 2 into Gweru’s first gated suburb, a move residents say will improve security and property value.
The court heard that on 25 March 2026, Mundanga removed three iron poles from a Woodlands Park Phase 2 site before being arrested in Ascot Extension. He must pay the fine by 17 April 2026 to avoid jail. River Valley Properties welcomed the ruling, with CEO Ambassador Smelly Dube saying it would deter vandalism. She added that security has been tightened, with patrols, an electrified fence, and cameras being installed.
The incident is one of three recent vandalism cases in the suburb. Last week, another resident, Tichaona Musoka, was detained for allegedly cutting the perimeter fence. The company is developing Woodlands Park Phase 2 into Gweru’s first gated suburb, a move residents say will improve security and property value.
Published
April 2, 2026 at 9:52 AM
