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Musawenkosi Moyo
TWO brothers from Pelandaba West suburb in Bulawayo were each slapped with a 10-month prison sentence for stealing 126 chickens.
Mike Sibanda (27) and Forward Sibanda (26) appeared before Western Commonage magistrate, Learnear Khumalo facing three counts of stock theft.
They all pleaded guilty to the charges and were sentenced to 10 months in prison each, of which four months were suspended on condition that they pay US$575 each, being the value of the stolen chickens.
While passing sentence, the magistrate said the court took into consideration the fact that the accused pleaded guilty, thus not wasting the court’s time.
“These were planned offences as the accused took advantage of the fact that the homeowners were asleep, thereby breaking into their houses. Some of the complainants were women who cannot defend themselves.
“Cases of theft and unlawful entry are now prevalent, so there is a need to send a clear message of deterrence to would-be offenders that the law does not tolerate such criminal activities. A jail term without the option of a fine will meet the justice of this case,” ruled Khumalo.
The court heard that on 18 August 2024, at Pelandaba West suburb, during the night, the two brothers, together with their accomplice who is still at large, went to Marshal Mwerenga’s house and used an unknown object to break into the fowl run. They then stole 51 chicken layers. The total value of the stolen chickens was US$510, and nothing was recovered.
It was further heard that on 19 August 2024, during the night, the three went to another house in Pelandaba West, where they used a metal bar to break the padlock of the fowl run and stole 45 chickens. The total value of the stolen chickens was US$360 and nothing was recovered.
The court further heard that on 23 August 2024, in Pumula suburb, the trio stole 30 road runner chickens from Mbongeni Mkandla’s house. The total value of the stolen chickens was US$273 and nothing was recovered.
The matter was reported to the police and investigations led to the arrest of the two brothers.
Online Reporter