Complainant begs for lesser sentence

Tsenulo Moyo

IN most court cases, complainants urge the court to impose harsh sentences on the accused, feeling wronged and wanting the accused to experience similar pain.

However, in this case, Marian Zvomuya, representing Duly’s Motors, surprised the court with a passionate plea for leniency for the accused, Prince Ndebele (24), who was charged with negligently causing serious damage to property.

“I feel pity for him, and I propose that he be given a sentence of community service. He said he has children, so I wouldn’t want him to go to jail and leave them with no one to look after them,” she pleaded.

She also testified on his behalf, saying that there were people chasing him on the day of the alleged offence and that she believed his testimony that he committed the offence unintentionally.

The plea was heard when Ndebele appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Challenge Mahembe, charged with negligently causing serious damage to property. He pleaded guilty.
He apologised for breaking the display window and said he had not done it intentionally.

Ndebele was sentenced to pay a US$200 fine on or before February 28 and in default of payment, he will serve four months in prison.

Twelve months’ imprisonment was wholly suspended on the condition that he compensates the complainant $1 540.

The court heard that on January 4, 2025, at Duly’s Motors in Bulawayo, Ndebele broke the display window.

The damaged property is valued at $1 540. He was apprehended by a security guard and brought to the police station, leading to his arrest.