Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara, [email protected]
THREE men were sentenced to a combined 25 years in prison for stealing a Honda Fit vehicle valued at US$4 500.
Mduduzi Ndlovu (19) of Sihlengeni, Esigodini, Elijah Ngwenya (33) of Cowdray Park and Vincent Ncube (32) of Lower Rangemore appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Ms Sibonginkosi Mkandla facing charges of theft of a motor vehicle. They were found guilty as charged.
In passing sentence, the magistrate considered Ndlovu’s age and sentenced him to five years in prison, with two years suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, leaving an effective three-year jail term.
Ngwenya and Ncube were each sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, with three years suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, leaving them to serve an effective seven years each.
The complainant is Gabriel Ian Tafirenyika (67) of Gwabalanda.
Prosecutor Ms Tsungai Mutapi told the court that on March 1, the complainant retired to bed at around 11PM at his home, leaving his white Honda Fit parked and securely locked inside the yard.
“During the night, while the complainant was asleep, the three accused persons, acting in common purpose, broke the padlock securing the gate and gained entry into the yard,” said Ms Mutapi.
The court heard that once inside the yard, the three used unknown means to start the complainant’s vehicle before driving away with it.
“The complainant discovered the offence the following morning at around 7AM and reported the matter to the police. Investigations led to the arrest of the accused persons and the recovery of the stolen motor vehicle,” she said.
The complainant told the court that by the time the vehicle was recovered, it had been badly damaged and its number plates had been replaced with Botswana registration plates.
The stolen vehicle, valued at US$4 500, was recovered in a damaged state.
