Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
THERE was high drama in New Highmount as a weed-hungry 21-year-old man stole a car battery from his neighbour just to fund a dagga binge.
Francis Tshuma, showed no remorse in court when he pleaded guilty to a charge of theft before Tredgold Magistrate Evia Matura. The magistrate remanded him in custody until 17 July, leaving the courtroom stunned at his blunt admission.
According to Prosecutor Josephine Gurazhira, the theft occurred on 25 June when Tshuma snuck into Mthokozisi Mpofu’s homestead and made off with a 24-volt Exide car battery. He disappeared into the streets of Mzilikazi, where he quickly sold the battery.
The value of the battery is US$75 and Tshuma said he sold it to buy a few sachets of dagga and some cigarettes.
Tshuma, wearing torn grey trousers and a faded navy sweater, stood before the court as if he had just come from a walk in the park. No regret. No shame. Just a twisted sense of pride.
Asked by the magistrate why he stole the battery, Tshuma casually replied:
“I hadn’t smoked in days. I just needed to fix that.”
Mpofu gave a detailed account of the betrayal. He explained that on 22 June, he had removed the battery from his vehicle and left it inside the house before travelling to his rural home in Fort Rixon. He had even asked another neighbour, Mehluli, to keep an eye on things.
When Mpofu returned on 24 June, the battery had vanished. Suspicion quickly turned to Tshuma after footprints were found near the house. Mehluli confirmed that he had seen Tshuma lurking around the property.
“I never thought someone I live next to would stoop this low,” Mpofu said.
Nothing was recovered, meaning Tshuma smoked away the entire US$75 worth of power — and left his neighbour fuming and his car dead.
This case is yet another painful reminder of how drugs are pushing some youths to dangerous lows. Neighbours are turning on each other, not for money, but for a quick high.
Tshuma is now behind bars, awaiting sentencing. His short-lived dagga joyride has landed him in a deep hole.
