Sidumisile Mabena
Danisa Masuku, Sunday News Correspondent
A 53-YEAR-OLD man from Khumalo suburb in Bulawayo appeared in court facing 12 counts of stock theft after he reportedly stole more than 400 cattle valued at US$477 000.
Timothy John Schultz (53) appeared before Plumtree regional magistrate, Ms Dambudzo Malunga on Wednesday and when asked to plead, he chose to remain silent. Schultz represented himself. The matter was postponed to 13 April.
The court heard that on 7 August 2024 the accused went to Maphaneni Ranch in Kezi, Matabeleland South Province and convinced Mr Kudakwashe Maparura, who is employed as the head of security by Fabris Luka Ignatius, the farm director, that Ignatius had instructed him to sell 50 cattle to raise salaries for the workers.
The court heard that on 21 August 2024, the accused went to Mr Maparura again and told him that Mr Ignatius had sent him to take 45 cattle and sell them to raise salaries for the farm employees, after which he took them.
Using the same modus operandi, he approached Maparura on 21 September 2024, and took 60 cattle.
It was heard in court that on 23 October 2024 he went to the farm again and told Maparura that Mr Ignatius had instructed him to take 49 cattle.
“On 26 November 2024, he took 48 cattle. On 17 December, he took 25 cattle and again he took 25 cattle on 22 December. On 18 January, he took 52 cattle, while on 25 February 2025, he took 51 cattle. On 10 March 2025, he took 27 cattle and on 31 March 2025, he took 25 cattle. On 23 April, 2025 he took 25 cattle,” the court heard.
It was the State’s case that the complainant Mr Ignatius went to his farm on 23 April 2025 and found that a large number of cattle were missing and when he enquired from Maparura, he was told that they had been taken by Schultz allegedly under his instruction.
Mr Ignatius reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused. The total value stolen is US$477 000.
In another matter, Schultz appeared before Bulawayo provincial magistrate Mr Isheunesu Mathoba, facing two counts of theft of shares worth US$15 000. He is being represented by Mr Mzingaye Moyo and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The State, represented by Mr Joseph Rugara, told the court that on 10 November 2025 in Bulawayo, Schultz reportedly transferred to himself 25 percent shares belonging to Southern Estate Ranching, represented by Marcus Bronson.
“On 1 June 2024, Schultz incorporated Mr Martins into the company named Adverique Investment and they became co-shareholders. After that Schultz allocated him 25 percent of the shares. On 10 November 2025 Schultz reassigned the complainant and transferred the complainant’s 25 percent share to himself,” said Mr Rugara.
The total value of the stolen shares is worth US$15 000 and nothing was recovered. The matter was postponed to 8 April.
Online Reporter