Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, [email protected]
A Bulawayo man (29) has appeared in court facing a stock theft charge after he allegedly slaughtered four cattle and injured two others in a bushy area on the outskirts of the city.
Benedict Sibanda, of Magwegwe North suburb, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube charged with stock theft.
He was remanded in custody to July 8.
Prosecutor Mr Tafara Dzimbanhete told the court that between 6pm on June 2 and 6am the following day, the accused allegedly came across six cattle belonging to Mr Vincent Tshuma (66) in a bushy area between Pumula North and Magwegwe West.
The court heard that Sibanda allegedly slaughtered four of the cattle, leaving their heads and offal at the scene.
He allegedly left the remaining two cattle injured without slaughtering them.
Mr Dzimbanhete said the accused was allegedly spotted by a witness carrying a sack suspected to contain meat.
The witness reportedly followed him until he arrived at a house in Magwegwe North.
After seeing him enter the house, the witness alerted members of the community, who apprehended the accused.
A search was conducted at the premises and one cattle head together with some offal was allegedly recovered, the court heard.
The accused was subsequently taken to a police station and later accompanied police officers to the crime scene, where three more cattle heads and two cattle carcasses were allegedly recovered, said Mr Dzimbanhete.
The total value of the stolen cattle is US$3 000, and property worth US$1 000 was recovered, the court heard.
Sidumisile Mabena