Couple gets community service for stealing from employer

A COUPLE employed as domestic workers in Inyathi, Bubi District, has been ordered to perform 350 hours of community service each after breaking into their employer’s bedroom and stealing cash, groceries and a laptop.

Washington Tshuma (20) and his girlfriend, Nkosiphile Ncube (19), who is four months pregnant, were convicted of unlawful entry and theft by Inyathi magistrate Ms Maggie Ruzive.

In sentencing the couple, Ms Ruzive said the offence was aggravated by the fact that the accused had violated their employer’s trust.

“The offence is serious because it involved the deliberate unlawful entry into the complainant’s private bedroom and the theft of property belonging to people who had employed and trusted the accused,” she said.

Each accused was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, with three months suspended for five years on condition that they do not commit a similar offence during that period.

A further five months were suspended on condition that they jointly pay US$300 in restitution to the complainant on or before August 20.

The remaining 10 months were suspended on condition that each completes 350 hours of community service at Magama Primary School in Tsholotsho.

Prosecuting, Mr Farirai Chakamanga told the court that on July 12 at about 8 PM, the couple unlawfully entered the bedroom of their employer, Mr Emmanuel Magama, at Swat Village in Inyathi after gaining access through a window.

“Once inside, they stole groceries worth US$80, US$50 cash, a Lenovo laptop valued at US$170 and a black travelling bag. “

“The groceries included nine kilogrammes of rice, six litres of cooking oil, 2,5 litres of peanut butter and packets of spaghetti,” said Mr Chakamanga.

The theft was discovered after the couple had left the area.

A report was made to the police and investigations led to their arrest.

In mitigation, Tshuma pleaded for leniency, telling the court that he committed the offence because he wanted to contribute towards funeral expenses following the repatriation of his father’s body from South Africa.

Ncube also pleaded for mercy, saying she was four months pregnant and had family responsibilities.

“My mother works in South Africa while my father is deceased. I am looking after my 70-year-old grandmother and my 16-year-old younger sister,” she told the court.