adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A 24-YEAR-OLD man broke into a clinic in Bulilima District and stole drugs and property worth about $300 in a bid to sell the loot and provide a rich meal for his family during the festive holiday.Plumtree magistrate, Gideon Ruvetsa, heard how Ordain Ndebele of Madlambuzi area broke into Masendu Clinic and stole two bicycles and pills which he intended to sell in order to buy food to celebrate the festive holiday.
Ndebele broke into one of the clinic’s wards at night and stole the property. Prosecuting, Medica Tshuma told court: “Ndebele broke into a ward in the clinic on December 5. He stole drugs and two buffalo bicycles and fled the scene.
“Mandla Sibindi, who is a general hand at the clinic, discovered the offence on the following day. He informed Sipho Ndlovu, a general nurse at the clinic, who reported the matter to the police.”
Tshuma said police carried out investigations and Ndebele was arrested the following day after a tip off from members of the community.
Tshuma said the stolen property was recovered at the complainant’s homestead.
Ndebele, who admitted to the charges of theft and pleaded with the court’s leniency, said he wanted to sell the clinic property in order to buy food for his family as he recently lost his job.
“I stole the property from the clinic as I wanted to sell it. I recently lost my job and I wanted to raise money to buy food and clothes for my family for the festive season,” he said.
“I didn’t want my wife and two children to feel like misfits in society over the festive season as I understand that it’s my duty as the man of the house to provide for my family. The only option I had was to steal.”
Ndebele was convicted of unlawful entry and theft and sentenced to 18 months in prison. He will serve 12 months after six were conditionally suspended.
Online Reporter