adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A FIGTREE farm worker broke into a girls’ hostel at Solusi High School recently and stole an Advanced Level student’s undergarments as well as a pair of shoes.
Mduduzi Moyo, 22, appeared before Plumtree magistrate Gideon Ruvetsa facing charges of unlawful entry and theft.
The farm worker is alleged to have scaled the school’s perimeter fence before gaining access to the girls’ dormitory through a window.
Prosecutor Medica Tshuma told the court that the pupil discovered that five of her panties and a pair of shoes were missing after she returned from her studies at about 9PM on May 19.
She then alerted the school’s security guards about the incident.
Footprints that were traced from the crime scene led security guards to a nearby homestead where Moyo resides.
“I had gone to the study room and when I returned with my friends I realised that my bag had been tampered with and the window to our room had been opened,” the school girl testified in court.
“When I checked I realised that some of my panties had been taken as well as a pair of shoes. I assumed that it was one of my dorm mates but they all professed ignorance. I then alerted security guards who traced foot prints from the school to a nearby house.”
In his defence, Moyo said he had broken into the hostel to find money or anything else that he could sell in order to raise funds to settle a debt.
He pleaded for mercy saying he committed the crime while under the influence of alcohol and had realised the gravity of the matter when he was sober.
“I apologise your Worship, I had no intention to steal the girl’s panties. I was just looking for something which I could sell or some money to clear a debt,” said Moyo.
Magistrate Ruvetsa ordered him to perform 210 hours of community service at Solusi Community Clinic.
Online Reporter