Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
A 24-year-old man from Bulawayo’s Entumbane suburb who broke into two city lodges last week, stealing property worth US$480, has been sentenced to perform 315 hours of community service.
Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Eva Matura handed down the sentence last Friday.
Witness Sibanda was initially handed a custodial sentence before Mrs Matura suspended it to a lesser charge, given that all the stolen property had been recovered.
Sibanda had been sentenced to one year in prison, before three months were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit any offence involving dishonesty, for which, upon conviction, he will be sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine.
“The remaining nine months imprisonment is suspended on condition that the accused performs 315 hours of community service at Siyazama Primary School on the following conditions,” said Mrs Matura.
Sibanda was last week Wednesday dragged to court by armed police detectives, facing charges of theft.
He pleaded guilty to stealing kitchenware and linen worth US$480 from prominent businessman Mr Byron Rice’s Harris Lodges.
Sibanda committed the crime last Tuesday night.
Prosecuting, Miss Nkanyezi Xaba said Sibanda stole a cup, plate, solar system, bulbs, bed linen, and towels before he was spotted and apprehended by security at one of the lodges with the assistance of the neighbourhood watch committee.
In his defence, Sibanda told the court that he stole the merchandise because he wanted to use it.
In mitigation, Sibanda said he was not married but had a six-year-old child under his care.
