Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Court writer
A PACKED courtroom was left stunned when a 13-year-old boy, clad in khaki prison garb, appeared in court for stealing US$1 500 and R1 500, which he squandered on alcohol and betting. The visibly perturbed teenager appeared on Monday before Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate, Mr Richard Ramaboea, facing a theft charge.
Acting as his own representative, the boy did not waste the court’s time and pleaded guilty. When asked by the magistrate what he had spent the money on, the boy — who cannot be named for ethical reasons — replied:
“I bought beer at a nightclub with my friend. I used the other money on betting. The remainder was taken by my friend, who is yet to be arrested.”
The magistrate, looking concerned, asked how he was coping in remand prison. Holding back tears, the boy said: “It is tough. I will not commit a crime again.”
The boy’s mother, whose name is withheld but resides in Bulawayo’s Mahatshula suburb, told the court that the theft had left her distressed and at a loss.
“I took several months raising the money and it was not easy. I intended to buy a housing stand, but now I have been left at a loss,” she said.
Representing the State, Mr Denmark Chihombe told the court that on September 16 this year, the boy stole his mother’s savings, which were hidden in a plastic bag.
“The boy used to see his mother putting the money in a plastic bag and hiding it in a hole underground in the garden. On September 16, at around 4.30PM, the boy stole US$1 500 and R1 500. The following day, he disappeared from home. Upon checking for her money, she discovered it was gone. She reported the incident to the police, leading to the boy’s arrest,” he said.
The case has been postponed to December 8, 2025.
Cases of theft linked to betting are becoming a cause for concern as they appear to be on the rise. Last Friday, Bulawayo magistrate Mr Itai Kagwere sentenced Maxwell Tonongei to 30 months’ imprisonment for stealing US$3 100 from his employer and squandering it on betting.
Two weeks ago, Mr Kagwere sentenced a “herd boy’’, Anele Moyo (20) from Lupane in Matabeleland North Province, to 24 months in prison, but the term was heavily suspended. Six months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, while eight months were suspended if he restitutes the full US$1 600 by December 30. The remaining 10 months were set aside on condition that Moyo performs 350 hours of community service at Lupane Police Station.
