Man sentenced to 15 months in prison for theft, abusing younger sister

A 25-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has been ordered to perform 210 hours of community service for theft and physically abusing his younger sister.
Lovemore Dube, who resides in Nkulumane, was convicted on his own plea of guilty to physical abuse and theft by Western Commonage magistrate Mr Mehluli Moyo.
Dube was sentenced to 15 months in prison, of which nine months were suspended for five years on condition he does not commit a similar offence within that period.

The remaining six months were suspended on condition that Dube performs 210 hours of community service at Mgombane Primary School.

In passing the sentence, the magistrate took into account of Dube’s age. Mr Moyo, however, stressed the importance of deterrent measures to combat the rising trend of physical abuse and theft.

“Physical abuse is becoming a common issue, and it is essential to send a strong message to prevent further occurrences. The implications extend beyond the individual offender, potentially affecting the relationship between the two,” he said.

The magistrate further explained that the sentence was intended to deter both Dube and others from engaging in violent and theft offences, reinforcing the legal consequences of such actions. He noted that the court aimed to send a clear message that abuse will not be tolerated in the community.

Prosecuting, Mrs Ellen Matenga, told the court that the physical abuse incident happened on 22 January at around 7am when Dube started to assault Miss Yolanda Dube (21) who is his sister for no apparent reason.

“Dube came home that morning and Ms Dube was sitting outside where they stayed together. He became violent for no apparent reason and threatened to kill her,” she said.

Dube then allegedly went to the gate and took the chain that was on the gate and used it to strangle his sister.

Testifying in court Ms Dube told the court that she was sitting outside when her brother came from wherever he was.

“Without even greeting me he started to threaten me saying that he will kill me. He then went to the gate and took a chain that was there and strangled me with it. I did not sustain any injuries,” she said.

On the other count the court heard that Dube stole his sister’s property and sold it.

“On the day in question Ms Dube left the house after a misunderstanding with her brother. She came back after a few days and found her property stolen,” said Mrs Matenga.