Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, [email protected]
A 38-year-old Bulawayo man who teamed up with four accomplices, who are still at large, to break into a shop and steal goods valued at US$3 320 has been sentenced to five years in prison.
Shephard Nheta of Entumbane suburb was convicted on his own plea of guilty to unlawful entry and theft by Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube.
The court sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment, with six months suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period.
A further 12 months were suspended on condition that he restitutes the complainant US$3 320, leaving Nheta to serve an effective three and a half year jail term.
Prosecutor Ms Cathrine Kuzu told the court that on March 29, the complainant, Mr Stewart Nyathi (37), had secured his shop in Kelvin North after closing business for the day.
Later that night, Nheta, acting in connivance with his accomplices identified as Martin Hillary, Tyson Nengomasha, Stephen Wenge and an unidentified driver of a silver grey Honda Fit, broke into the premises.
“The accused and his accomplices damaged burglar bars on a window to gain entry and once inside, stole various goods belonging to the complainant,” said Ms Kuzu.
A police report was subsequently made, leading to the arrest of Nheta, while his accomplices remain at large.
The court heard that the total value of the stolen property amounted to US$3 320 and that nothing has been recovered.
