By Dumisani Ndlovu
A villager from Msilahobe Silobela, Kwekwe was last week jailed to 12 years for stocktheft after stealing seven beasts worth US$3000.
Although Vusa Khabo of Msilahobe pleaded not guilty to one count of stocktheft when he appeared before Provincial Magistrate, Nixon Mangoti last Friday.
He was sentenced to 12 years in prison of which three years were suspended on condition that he restitute the complainant US$1700.
Prosecutor Taurai Mavuto told the court that on 10 December 2023, the complainant, Ndumiso Moyo from number 319 Ruby, Group 3 in Gweru released his cattle for grazing at around 9am.
Khabo stole seven of Moyo’s cattle worth $3000.
The complainant, Moyo discovered that seven of his beasts were missing from his head on the same day around 1740hrs in the evening and reported the matter to the police.
The proactive prosecutor, Mavuto further told the court that on the 11th of December 2023,the accused person was seen by Phibion Dube passing plot 12 Campbell Farm Estate, East line, Gweru at around 0005hrs with the complainant’s cattle.
“The accused asked for a place to sleep saying he had lost his way since he was chasing the cattle during the Midnight and that he was delivering one of the beasts to the buyer who reside at the plot around Campbell farm,” said the Prosecutor.
Mabuto said Dube then offered the accused accommodation so that he proceed with his journey the following morning. The cattle he was herding was penned in Phibion Dube’s kraal.
“On the 12th of December, Dube’s wife Smephi Dube and children Shantel and Blessing Dube saw the accused person and asked him where he was going with the cattle. At around 800hrs, the accused person then took the stolen beast to an unknown destination. Three of the cattle then returned to the complainant’s home.
Investigations later led to the arrest of Khabo. The value of the stolen property was Us$3000 and US$1300 was not recovered.
