NRZ employee up for battery theft

Shamiso Dzingire Court Reporter
A NATIONAL Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) employee was on Wednesday arraigned for allegedly stealing 13 batteries worth $10,400 from a train coach.

Jabulani Moyo, 52, of Sizinda suburb pleaded not guilty to a theft charge when he appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate, Charity Maphosa.

Moyo, who was represented by Byron Sengweni of Mcijo Dube and Partners, was remanded out of custody to July 6 on $100 bail.

Sengweni provided some light moments in court when he dismissed the value of the batteries as “ridiculous”.

He said: “The accused person will also deny the value of the batteries he is alleged to have stolen which have been ridiculously valued at $10,400 when a new battery costs between $70 and $80. The accused is more than confident that he’ll be acquitted by the courts due to the state’s weak case.”

While applying for bail, Sengweni submitted that the batteries alleged to have been stolen were handed over to one Shepherd Mpofu.

Prosecuting, Nkathazo Dlodlo said on June 15 this year at NRZ Station in Bulawayo, Moyo was assigned by his foreperson, Nomagugu Nyathi, to remove eight volt mono block batteries from a train coach.

He said Moyo, who was being assisted by three students on attachment, was supposed to remove the batteries and report to his foreperson for further instructions.

“After removing the batteries, Moyo ordered the three trainees to load them onto a white NRZ truck which was driven by an unidentified driver. Moyo went away in the vehicle, leaving behind the trainees,” said Dlodlo. The total value of the stolen batteries is $10,400 and they were all recovered.