Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A 28-year-old Bulawayo man has been sentenced to perform 140 hours of community service after stealing groceries and airtime worth US$30 from a tuck shop in Matshobana suburb.
George Munene of Entumbane suburb appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube, who convicted him on his own plea of guilty to theft.
Munene was initially sentenced to nine months in prison, but three months were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within that period. An additional two months were suspended on the condition that Munene pays US$31 restitution, while the remaining four months were commuted to community service.
He will perform the community service at Entumbane Police Station, starting Monday. As part of the restitution order, Munene must repay the complainant US$31 by November 11.
In sentencing, Mr Ncube said while the value of the stolen goods was low, Munene’s actions showed deliberate intent and disregard for property rights.
He noted that a community service sentence would allow the offender to repay his debt to society constructively.
Prosecuting, Ms Audrey Kufandikanwe told the court that the incident occurred on September 30, around 3.45 PM, at a tuck-shop in Matshobana.
“On that particular day, the complainant, Mr Evans Netha, who operates a small grocery shop at his home, briefly left the shop unattended,” said Ms Kufandikanwe.
Seizing the opportunity, Munene entered the tuck-shop and stole a box of finger biscuits, a case of 12 Dettol bath soaps, two litres of cooking oil, twenty Buddie airtime cards and 10 NetOne recharge cards before fleeing.
When Mr Netha returned, he noticed Munene walking away hurriedly and discovered that his goods were missing.
He pursued and caught up with him before escorting him to the police station. Some of the stolen items, valued at US$20, were recovered.
