Ex-convict steals from prison farm

Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
AN ex-convict from Plumtree has been jailed for stealing a goat from Plumtree Prison Farm, a week after he was released from the same prison. Levison Khumalo, 35, of Nxele area, appeared before Plumtree magistrate, Livard Philemon, facing stock theft charges. In January, Khumalo appeared before the same magistrate facing stock theft charges and was sentenced to three months imprisonment.

During his jail term, Khumalo worked under guard on the prison farm and hatched a plan to steal a goat after his release.

He was arrested a week after being released after he was caught stealing from the prison farm.

Magistrate Philemon lashed out at the ex-convict for turning into a habitual thief.

“It appears that you enjoy being behind bars because a few months ago you committed the same offence and you went to jail. A few days after your release you go on to commit the same offence again,” said the magistrate.

“You’re a habitual thief and thieves deserve to be behind bars as they’re a menace to society.”

Khumalo told the court that he hatched a plan to steal a goat from the farm while working there when he was incarcerated.

“I stole the goat as I intended to slaughter it in order to get food for my family.

“During the time that I spent in prison we used to visit the farm and upon my release, I remembered that I had seen fat animals and I decided to steal one,” said Khumalo.

Prosecuting, Clemence Shawarira said Khumalo trespassed into the Plumtree Prison Farm along Thekwane Road on March, 18.

He said the ex-convict proceeded to the goats pens around 5PM and slaughtered one of the animals.

“Khumalo slaughtered one goat using a knife and he took it out of the pen.

“The noise which was made by other goats alerted the prison officers who made their way to the pens to investigate,” said Shawarira.

“They found Khumalo who was close to the pens trying to skin the goat.”

He said after realising that he had been spotted, Khumalo fled leaving the meat behind.

Prison officers pursued him until they caught up and apprehended him while he was still holding the knife.

The prison officers led Khumalo to the police station, leading to his arrest.

Magistrate Philemon sentenced him to nine months imprisonment of which three months were suspended for five years on condition that he does not within the period commit a similar offence.