Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
[email protected]
POPULAR Bulawayo socialite Methembe Ncube, popularly known as Intombi Emfitshane, has been fined US$200 after she damaged property during a fight at a lodge in the city’s Burnside suburb.
Ncube appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mr Taurayi Manuwere facing a charge of negligently causing serious damage to property in contravention of Section 141 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
The court convicted her and imposed a US$200 fine. In default of payment, she will serve 30 days in prison.
In mitigation, Ncube expressed remorse for her actions and pleaded for leniency.
“I’m really sorry for what I did and I beg the court to forgive me,” she told the court.
Prosecutor Ms Rumbidzai Edinah Gwishiri urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, arguing that offences involving the destruction of property result in financial loss and emotional distress for victims.
“Negligently causing damage to other people’s property results in victims suffering financial loss and stress. The State prays for a deterrent sentence to discourage like-minded people. The owner of the property suffered a serious loss,” she submitted.
The court heard that on May 5 this year, Ncube was at a lodge in Burnside when she became involved in a dispute with a man identified as Emmanuel Sibanda.
The disagreement escalated into a physical altercation during which property at the lodge was damaged.
According to the State, a 55-inch LG television set, an electric kettle and a door were damaged during the incident.
After considering the circumstances of the case, the court found Ncube guilty and imposed the fine.
