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Richard Muponde, Gwanda Correspondent
A MAN from Gwanda has been jailed for four months for stealing a bicycle and an electric stove after breaking into another villager’s homestead.
Mlungisi Sibanda (27) of Selonga village appeared before Gwanda resident magistrate, Miss Nomagugu Ncube facing unlawful entry and theft charges.
He was convicted on his own plea of guilty.
The four months jail term was, however, wholly suspended on condition he pays a $450 fine by August 28.
In mitigation, Sibanda asked the court to be lenient as he committed the offence out of desperation.
He claimed that he was starving together with his family.
“I am unemployed and failing to fend for my family. I committed the offence because I wanted to sell the property so that I raise money to buy food since my family was starving as we had gone for days without a decent meal. I am asking for forgiveness and may the court exercise leniency,” said Sibanda.
In passing sentence, Miss Ncube said Sibanda was facing a serious offence and the court could not be seen to be condoning such acts.
The prosecutor, Mr Takunda Mafudze said on August 4, Sibanda went to Mr Fiso Ndlovu’s homestead during his absence.
Upon arrival, he forced open his bedroom door using an iron bar and gained entry.
He stole a bicycle and an electric stove and disappeared from the homestead without being noticed.
The court heard that he sold the stolen property to a friend.
Mr Ndlovu returned to his home and discovered the offence and made a police report.
Investigations led to Sibanda’s arrest and the recovery of the stolen property.
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