adminNokusa Masuku Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO ex-convict who stole property from eight different police officers at Nkulumane Police camp where he was doing community service, was yesterday sentenced to an effective twelve-and-half years in prison.
Hlanganani Ncube, 26, was convicted on his own plea on all the 20 counts of unlawful entry and theft by Temba Chimiso.
He was sentenced to 15 years in prison but two and half years were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
Ncube pleaded with the magistrate for a lesser sentence.
“Your worship, may you give me a lesser sentence so that I will be able to see my children soon. I’m the family’s sole bread winner I can therefore not afford to leave them for a very long time,” pleaded Ncube.
Chimiso told Ncube that he commited a very serious crime which called for deterrent sentence.
Prosecuting Tony Kamudyariwa told the court that Ncube finished his community service at Nkulumane Police camp sometime early last year and started doing odd jobs there.
The property stolen was valued at more than $1,500 and approximately $572 worth of goods were recovered.
Kamudyariwa said Ncube would break into the camp premises at night and steal from different police officers.
Bongani Ndlovu