Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
A VILLAGE herdboy-turned-thief saw his grand city adventure crash and burn after stealing a whopping US$1 600 from his boss — only to lose most of it to street gamblers, booze and women of the night.
Anele Sibanda (20), who was supposed to be watching over cattle in rural Lupane, decided to “upgrade his life” with a fast move that landed him in front of a Bulawayo magistrate this week.
Sibanda appeared before Magistrate Itai Kagwere on Tuesday, facing a theft charge. The court heard how his rural rags-to-riches dream quickly turned into a broke man’s nightmare.
The drama started on 4 September when his employer, Rozilina Ndlovu, welcomed a visitor to her homestead. As they chatted, Sibanda kept a hawk’s eye on her bedroom. The moment Ndlovu escorted her visitor outside, leaving the bedroom door open, Sibanda made his move.
Like a scene from a low-budget heist movie, he dashed into the room, flung open the wardrobe, and scooped up US$1 600. Without a second thought, he bolted and boarded a vehicle headed straight to the bright lights of Bulawayo.
His first stop? The city’s notorious feja feja tables. Convinced lady luck was on his side, Sibanda went all in — and lost spectacularly. Within minutes, US$1 000 had vanished into the hands of street hustlers as he chased the elusive red card.
Bruised but not broken, Sibanda decided to drown his sorrows in booze and pleasure. He admitted in court that he spent the remaining US$600 on alcohol and “ladies,” painting a wild picture of a countryside herdboy living his best — and briefest — city life.
When his employer discovered the theft, the party was over. Sibanda was swiftly arrested, confessing everything and pleading guilty.
During sentencing, Magistrate Kagwere considered Sibanda’s age, his remorse, and the fact that he did not waste the court’s time.
He was sentenced to 24 months in prison, but the term was heavily suspended. Six months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, while eight months were suspended if he restitutes the full US$1 600 by 30 December. The remaining 10 months were set aside on condition that Sibanda performs 350 hours of community service at Lupane Police Station.
In court, a visibly humbled Sibanda apologised, promising to pay back the money.
His former boss was left reeling. “I was supposed to buy two beasts with that money,” Ndlovu said in her victim impact statement. “Now I am left distressed and poor.”
derick.khumalo