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Danisa Masuku
AT times a man can do anything to provide for his family and even something that can land him in jail.
Tivakudze Mugunzwa is a good example.
He was arrested for stealing 21 chickens with the intention of selling them and buying Christmas clothes for his wife and children.
For the offence Mugunzwa appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Makelo Ncube charged with stock theft.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge but was convicted and sentenced to 24 months in jail.
Six months were suspended on condition that he does not commit an offence involving dishonesty of which upon conviction he would be sentenced without the option of a fine.
A further two months were suspended on condition that he restitutes the complainant Lameck Moyo US$60 being the value of stolen chickens.
An additional ten months from a previous suspended sentence of unlawful entry and theft were brought into effect meaning he would be effectively caged for 26 months.
The court heard that on 15 December last year Mugunzwa from Bulawayo’s Iminyela suburb went to Airport compound in Bulawayo and stole 21 chickens from Moyo’s fowl run.
It was heard in court that he stole chickens with the sole reason of buying his wife and children clothes for Christmas.
He tied 17 chickens with a small rope and put them into a sack and slaughtered four which he put in a satchel which he strapped on his back.
He pulled the sack from the compound to the main road to board a car to the city centre.
When Moyo checked up on his chickens during the night he discovered that they had been stolen.
Fortunately he saw tracks and followed them with his two neighbours.
They caught Mugunzwa standing by the roadside and apprehended him.
He had hidden the sack full of chickens a few metres from the road and they discovered that some of the chickens were disfigured.
They took him to a police station leading to his arrest.
Online Reporter