Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A CHIPINGE woman’s dream of working in South Africa has turned into a nightmare after her “trusted caretaker” sold off her household goods – blanket by blanket – while she was away!
Elodi Sithole, from Samhutsa Village in Chipinge, has been sentenced to six months behind bars after being convicted of stealing property worth $700, entrusted to her by a neighbour working in the diaspora.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of ZIMBABWE (NPAZ) the complainant left Zimbabwe in 2020 and placed Sithole in charge of her homestead. But instead of guarding the goods, Sithole started a side hustle – selling off brand new blankets and household items to various buyers.
The final straw came in April 2024, when Sithole received seven new blankets from the complainant – only to flog them too!
The complainant returned to her rural home on 18 March 2025, only to be greeted by bare rooms and whispers from villagers. It didn’t take long before community intel pointed to Sithole as the seller, and a police report sealed the deal.
Only $250 worth of goods were recovered – the rest? Vanished into thin air or someone’s bedspread.
The Chipinge Magistrates’ Court handed Sithole a 12-month sentence, but 4 months were suspended for 5 years, and another 2 months dropped on condition of restitution – leaving her with an effective 6 months in prison.
Another case of trust betrayed, and a reminder that not everyone left behind will look after what you leave.
Bongani Ndlovu