TWO men have been arraigned before the Kariba Magistrates Court for orchestrating thefts targeting visitors at a resort camp.

Ephraim Maronga (45) and Clayton Kapesa (44) were convicted of nine counts of unlawful entry in aggravated circumstances and each sentenced to five years? imprisonment.

Court heard that on September 10, 2024, at Vundu Bush Safari Camp at Mana Pools, a protected tourist destination, the offenders connived with their accomplices to steal.

They then proceeded to the camp and gained access inside tents by cutting through canvass material while occupants were asleep.

The gang stole high value camera equipment, personal property and cash belonging to international tourists. The stolen property included professional grade Cannon, Nikon and Leica cameras, lenses, backpacks, watches, foreign currency and other personal effects.

The offences were discovered the following day triggering an immediate investigation.

The prosecutor told court that on that same day, offenders were nabbed in the Zambia game area by Zambia Wildlife Authority officials leading to the recovery of the stolen goods.

In passing the harsh sentence, the court considered that such unlawful acts threaten public safety, violate the privacy or visitors and undermine confidence in Zimbabwe?s tourism industry.