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Gibson Mhaka
STEALING a donkey is bad enough, but slaughtering it and then being caught feasting on its meat by its owner is worse.
That is a sure way to get tongues wagging in some parts of Zimbabwe, where donkey meat is a culinary taboo.
However, two men from Mapulula 2 Village in Plumtree, Matabeleland South Province sparked outrage after they were busted for stealing, slaughtering and feasting on a fellow villager’s donkey.
For failing to control their craving for donkey meat, Charles Ndlovu and Honest Moyo both aged 23 years landed themselves in hot soup when they were arrested and appeared before Plumtree magistrate, Shumirai Mutimodhlo charged with theft.
They pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to 24 months imprisonment. Six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour. An additional six months were suspended on condition that they compensate the complainant.
The remaining 12 months were further suspended on condition that they each complete 420 hours of community service.
The court heard that on 9 May 2024, in the grazing lands of Mapulula 2 Village, Ndlovu and Moyo took advantage of an unattended, coffee-coloured female donkey.
They chased the donkey down and, upon catching it, they used an unidentified weapon to kill it before slaughtering it. They took the meat home, cooked it and then ate it.
Seen by some villagers slaughtering the donkey, the two were reported to the owner. The following day the owner, along with a group of other villagers, tracked down the duo and they found them at their home with the remaining donkey meat, including hooves.
Some of the meat was already being eaten, while some simmered in a pot for an evening meal. The matter was reported to the police leading to the arrest of the two and their subsequent appearance in court.
The stolen donkey, later slaughtered by the accused, was valued at US$150.
Online Reporter