Border jumper steals dogs in Botswana

Gibson Mhaka
WE have heard of people jumping the borders to seek means of survival, but Givers Ncube (26) from Silombe Village, Ingwizi area, Mphoengs in Matabeleland South Province, took things to a different level.
Illegally crossing from Zimbabwe to Botswana, he didn’t target the usual — a few coins, some food. No, Ncube had his sights set on something far more valuable, far more prized than most border jumpers could even imagine.

It is reported that Ncube, who had long admired his former employer’s two-prized Rhodesian Ridgebacks (dogs) valued at P17 000, went back and stole them, returning to Zimbabwe with his unusual loot.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large dog breed originally bred in Southern Africa. They are also known as “Lions Dogs or African Lion Hounds” due to their hunting abilities and distinctive ridge of hair along their backs.

According to reports, sometime in April 2024, Ncube illegally crossed from Zimbabwe to Botswana through an undesignated entry point. While in Francistown, Botswana, he was employed by the complainant, Nthantsi Moretsi, as a general worker.

It is reported that Ncube, who had long admired his employer’s dogs, hatched a plan on 6 August. During the night, he stole two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, taking them back to his place in Zimbabwe. On 22 August 2024, the complainant filed a report at ZRP Mphoengs. Investigations were carried out in conjunction with Botswana Police Service members, and the stolen dogs were subsequently recovered from the accused’s place. The value of the stolen dogs is P17 000.

Upon his arrest, he appeared before Plumtree magistrate Joshua Nembaware facing three counts of theft, entering and departing by evasion as defined in section 24(1), as read with Section 36 (3) of the Immigration Act Chapter 4:02.

He pleaded guilty to all the three counts. On the count of theft, he was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. Six months of this sentence were suspended for a period of five years on the condition that he does not commit any offence involving dishonesty within that period, for which upon conviction, he is sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine.

The remaining six months were suspended on condition that he completes 210 hours of community service at Ingwizi Clinic. On the remaining two counts, these were taken as one for sentencing purposes.
He was sentenced to pay a fine of $200 or serve one month imprisonment. In addition, one month of imprisonment was suspended for a period of five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence.