14-year-old boy jailed 3 years for stealing four vehicles in Byo

A 14-YEAR-OLD boy who stole four cars, including a Honda Fit which was parked at a police station and pirated for a week before dumping it, has been sentenced to serve three years at Whawha Prison near Gweru.

The juvenile, who cannot be named for ethical reasons, was convicted and sentenced by Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Ms Patience Ururu.

The accused, who pleaded guilty to all the four counts of stealing cars, was however, convicted of three counts.

The court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove that one of the cars which was found dumped had been stolen by the accused.

In sentencing him, Ms Ururu said: “You are very young but your actions defy your age.

When you were released to your parents after you were initially arrested, you went on to steal again.

“I understand that you are from a broken family but that does not justify your unbecoming behaviour. You will be sent to prison so that you reform.”

Ms Concilia Ncube for the State said on 26 April this year, the accused stole a grey Honda Fit from a car park in Entumbane suburb.

She said three days later, the accused stole another Honda Fit at Nkulumane suburb car park and pirated during the night.

He then dumped the vehicle when it ran out of fuel.

The court heard that the following day, the accused who was targeting Honda Fit cars, stole yet another Honda Fit which was parked at a car park in Emakhandeni suburb.

On 12 May, the accused went to Entumbane Police Station where he again stole a Honda Fit belonging to a police officer.

He pirated in and around the city and dumped it after a week.

Detectives from the Vehicle Theft Squad launched an investigation leading to accused’s arrest.