Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara, [email protected]
A 24-YEAR-OLD domestic worker who stole a donkey from his employer in Insiza District before selling it to a neighbour was yesterday sentenced to one year in prison.
Vuyani Mabhula of Zamani Nunu Village 3 in Fort Rixon was convicted of stock theft by Bulawayo magistrate, Ms Beverly Madzikatire.
He will serve an effective six months in prison after six months were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period.
Prosecuting, Mr Mehluli Ndlovu said on December 31 at PBS grazing lands, Mabhula took advantage of his employer’s absence and stole a donkey belonging to Mr Noel Dube.
“He took a male donkey, which was ear-marked with a straight cut on the left ear and a V-cut on the lower part of the same ear,” said Mr Ndlovu.
The court heard that after stealing the donkey, Mabhula sold it to one Bhekumuzi Mzwakhele Nunu for US$100.
The offence came to light when police officers on routine patrol intercepted the accused and the buyer near the Fort Rixon turn-off.
“The officers found the two in the middle of a transaction with their scotch carts parked nearby while the donkey in question was harnessed to one of the scotch carts, leading to the arrest of the accused person,” said Mr Ndlovu.
The donkey, valued at US$170, was recovered.
