Learnmore Mhlanga, a 19-year-old from Tongogara Village, and 20-year-old Kelvin Richard Dungunye from Tambawakachenjera Village, both situated in Chief Musikawanhu’s jurisdiction in Chipinge, faced serious legal repercussions for their involvement in stock th3ft.
On the night of November 17, 2024, around 2100 hours, the two accused entered the complainant’s homestead with malicious intent.
They successfully drove away a brown cow, taking it from the complainant’s kraal to a location known as Glenlough C.
Unbeknownst to them, a witness in this scenario had no idea that the cow was stolen and allowed the young men to keep the animal at their property.
Their downfall came when they attempted to sell the cow at a local stock market, raising suspicions and leading to their arrest.
The cow was valued at a significant USD350 and was recovered by authorities.
The Chipinge Magistrates’ Court took the crime seriously, and upon pleading guilty, both men were sentenced to a substantial 10-year imprisonment.
However, in a show of leniency, the court suspended one year of their sentence on the condition of good behavior.
This case underscores the severe consequences that can arise from engaging in theft, particularly in rural communities where livestock theft is a pressing issue.
The community hopes that this verdict serves as a deterrent against future criminal activities and emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
