Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A Bulawayo man (23) has been sentenced to nine months in prison after stealing and selling his stepfather’s car engine head.
Joshua Ncube of Pumula South appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube facing a charge of theft. He pleaded guilty.
The court initially sentenced him to 15 months in prison. Of this, three months were suspended for three years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period. A further three months were suspended on condition that he restitutes his stepfather with US$300 before June 12, leaving him to serve an effective nine-month prison term.
Prosecutor Mr Tafara Dzimbanhete told the court that the accused is the complainant’s stepson. He said that on April 26, 2026, at around 7:30am, the complainant, Brian Nyirongo (46), discovered that his car engine head was missing from where he had left it. The court heard that the accused later admitted that he had sold the car engine head to an unknown person whose whereabouts are not known.
The stolen item was valued at US$300 and was not recovered, said Mr Dzimbanhete.
He added that a report was made to the police, leading to the accused’s arrest.
