Langa Mabena
Mashudu Mambo
A 20-YEAR-OLD man from Insuza Village in Matabeleland North province stunned the court when he revealed that he stole his neighbours’ chickens and a goat to get some relish for his wife.
Sobala Moyo appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Nomagugu Maphosa facing two charges of stock theft. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was remanded in custody to Friday for sentencing. When asked by the magistrate about the reasons why he committed the offence, he indicated that he wanted some relish.
“I stole the goat and the two chickens because we did not have some relish at home,” he said. The court heard that in a period extending from 28 August to 15 September 2024, Sofia Maniwa left her four goats grazing in some pastures.
Moyo went on to steal one of the goats and Maniwa discovered that one of her goats was missing. Moyo proceeded to slaughter the goat and ate the meat.
On the second occasion, Moyo stole two chickens belonging to his neighbour Siphiwe Maphosa. He stole two chickens, a black and a white one and went away unnoticed.
Investigations were conducted and the matter was reported to the police leading to his arrest. The value of the livestock stolen was $62.
According to the victim statements, they indicated that they liaised with the culprit’s boss and he promised to refund them.
Online Reporter