adminA 32-YEAR-OLD man, who was first bashed for theft by members of public before being arrested by a police officer, was yesterday sentenced to four years in jail. Maqhawe Mpofu from Gwabalanda suburb in Bulawayo broke into two houses in Nketa 8 and 9 and used a wire to fish out cell phones, clothes and money worth more than $300.
Mpofu will serve an effective three years in jail after Western Commonage magistrate Sibongile Msipa Marondedze suspended one year on condition of good behaviour.
Passing sentence, Msipa Marondedze considered that Mpofu is a first offender who pleaded guilty to all four counts of unlawful entry and theft and did not waste the court’s time.
However, she noted that unlawful entry and theft offences are prevalent nowadays and therefore deterrent sentences are called for.
Prosecuting, Maria John said on August 23 at around 4AM, Mpofu proceeded to a house in Nketa 8 where he forcibly opened a bedroom window.
John said Mpofu used a wire to fish out a Nokia 306 cellphone, a pair of jeans, two small handbags belonging to Martha Ncube and went away unnoticed. On the same day, the court heard, Mpofu proceeded to another house in Nketa 9 where he forced open a kitchen window.
“Having opened the window, Mpofu used a wire to fish out a cell phone and a wallet containing $50,” John said.
The complainant, Carlos Mpofu woke up and gave chase. He managed to apprehend Mpofu with the help of members of the public.
The court heard how Mpofu was thoroughly beaten by members of the public before he was rescued by a passerby police officer.
The police officer arrested Mpofu and took him to Tshabalala Police Station.
Online Reporter