Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Court Reporter
A 23-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has been ordered to pay a fine of US$260 and restitute US$123 for draining 85 litres of diesel from an Ingwebu Breweries truck.
Mengezi Mnkandla, of Berkshire, Hillcrest suburb appeared before Western Commonage magistrate, Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube, facing theft charges.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of theft, and was initially sentenced for count one to pay a fine of US$110, or in default be sentenced to 30 days in prison.
For count two, he was ordered to pay a fine of US$150 or in default be sentenced to two months in prison.
A further two months in prison were suspended on condition that he restitutes the complainant US$123. All the fines and restitution should be paid before 9 January 2026.
Prosecutor, Ms Cathrine Kuzu said Mnkandla was employed as a driver by Ingwebu Breweries, which was represented by Shepard Sibanda (53), a security and loss control officer.
The court heard that the first offence was committed on 25 November at about 6pm.
On that date, Mnkandla was assigned to collect empties and he diverted the route to Nketa 7 Shopping Centre, where upon arrival he drained 35 litres of diesel from the Ingwebu Breweries truck.
The diesel drained was valued at about US$50,75, and nothing was recovered.
On count two, the court heard that the theft occurred on 28 November at about 10.22pm.
On that date, he was assigned to Umvumila to collect a truck trailer for Ingwebu Breweries.
Mnkandla again diverted his route to Nketa 7, proceeded to an unnamed road opposite a house in the suburb and drained 59 litres of diesel from the Ingwebu Breweries truck registration number AGL 3073 into 20-litre containers using a piece of hosepipe.
The value stolen is US$72,50, and nothing was recovered. Investigations were done leading to the arrest of Mnkandla, said Ms Kuzu.
