adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A 28-YEAR-OLD Bulilima man broke into the rooms of three pupils from Madlambuzi High School and stole their property and food. Kudzanani Tshuma was sold out by his girlfriend, Naledi Nkomo, who saw him leave the house with groceries which he claimed were his own. Tshuma was convicted of unlawful entry and theft charges by Plumtree magistrate, Mr Livard Philemon.
He was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment of which six months were suspended for five years on condition that he does not within that period commit an offence of the same nature.
Tshuma told the court that he stole the property which comprised a cellphone, lotion, toothpaste, a pot and foodstuffs in a bid to secure food for himself and his family.
He went to Madlambuzi residential area to visit his girlfriend who stays with the three school pupils.
On his way out he gained access into the rooms of the girls where he stole their property.
Prosecuting, Ms Jane Phiri said Tshuma stole the goods on 2 June around 8pm.
“On 2 June, Madlambuzi High School pupils who live in the same house but use different rooms left for school around 7am and left their rooms unlocked.
“Tshuma was already at the house where he had gone to see his girlfriend who is also a tenant at the house,” said Ms Phiri.
She said instead of leaving, Tshuma first went to one of the rooms where he took a Samsung cellphone and a 500g packet of soya chunks.
Ms Phiri said Tshuma then took Nivea lotion and Colgate toothpaste from another room. He proceeded to the third room, which was also not locked, where he took 2kg bag of mealie-meal, 2 litres cooking oil and a Kango pot.
She said upon their return from school, the pupils discovered that some of their belongings were missing and they inquired with the tenants who also live in the house.
Ms Phiri said Nkomo revealed that she had seen her boyfriend leave with some groceries after his visit but he claimed that they were his own yet he had arrived empty-handed.
The matter was reported to the police, resulting in Tshuma’s arrest. Ms Phiri said the total value of goods stolen by Tshuma was R1 168 and only property valued at R260 was recovered.
Online Reporter