Online Reporter
Mutare Bureau
A 35-YEAR-OLD Chitungwiza man has been remanded in custody after allegedly stealing 24 goats from a Headlands farmer.
Given Moyowasvipa appeared before Rusape magistrate, Daphine Maruta, charged with stock theft.
According to the State, Moyowasvipa allegedly stole 24 goats belonging to the complainant, Peter Muroiwa.
Prosecutor Innocent Mwoyowaonda told the court that the offence was committed on January 12, this year, at around 3am at Plot 5, Rosedale Farm, Headlands.
She alleged that the accused, and three unidentified accomplices, went to the complainant’s homestead under the cover of darkness.
The court heard that the suspects allegedly pounced on the complainant’s employee, Pedzisai Zondi, who was asleep in his bedroom, with his wife.
Mwoyowaonda said after subduing the couple, the accused and his accomplices proceeded to the goat pen, where they allegedly stole 24 goats.
The goats were then loaded into an unidentified motor vehicle before the suspects fled the scene.
The prosecution further revealed that on January 15, police officers from Dema Police Station recovered 20 goats from the accused’s homestead.
Moyowasvipa was allegedly found slaughtering goats in his backyard and failed to satisfactorily explain how he came into possession of them.
The complainant later positively identified two live goats and four slaughtered goats at the police station.
The total value of the stolen livestock was placed at US$950.
Moyowasvipa is currently in custody and the matter was adjourned to January 26 for continuation of trial.
Mathew Masinge