adminLuthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent—
| A23-YEAR-OLD Chipinge man was on Tuesday jailed 12 years for stealing his neighbour’s three cattle. |
Emmanuel Tagurana of Zumuchiya Village under Chief Musikavanhu’s area pleaded guilty when he appeared before senior Chipinge magistrate, Mr Noah Gwatidzo facing stock theft charges.
Prosecuting, Mr Witness Nyamundaya, said on December 23 at around 8am, the complainant, Mr Tendai Kosimananga, released his herd of 10 cattle and drove them to Mahachi Village grazing land and left them unattended.
“On the same day at around 4pm, Tagurana stole three beasts and he drove them to Mabhiza Primary School where he sold them to Lloyd Maziofa, a teacher at the school for $400.
“Maziofa tasked a local villager, Steven Mhlaba to look after the cattle while waiting for transport to take them to Montana Meats Abattoir in Masvingo.
“On January 6, the complainant managed to recover one beast from Mhlaba’s homestead who told him that the heifer belonged to Lloyd Maziofa.
“On further investigation, it was established that Maziofa had bought the cattle from the accused with the intention to resell them.
“On January 7, Tagurana was arrested and only one beast was recovered. The value of the stolen cattle was $600 and the value of the cattle which was recovered was $250,” said Mr Nyamundaya.
In sentencing him, Mr Gwatidzo said the accused deserved a custodial sentence since he committed a serious offence.
“The accused vowed to refund the complainant and pleaded for mercy, but what is aggravating is that cattle are regarded as a measure of wealth in our society and it is the role of the courts to send a deterrent message to would be offenders. A custodial sentence is only an option,” said Mr Gwatidzo.
Tagurana was jailed 12 years and one year was suspended on condition that he would reimburse the beast that was not recovered.
Online Reporter