adminA 65-YEAR-OLD Bulilima farm worker who was arrested for illegal hunting told the court that he was trying to get food as his boss was starving him. Elias Maphosa of Malisakwana Village told the court that his boss had not paid him for the past three months and he had gone for two days without food.
“I work as a herdboy at Twinstone Farm Your Worship, but I have not been paid for the last three months. My boss is always telling me that my money will come but I have been waiting in vain. Whenever I complain he tells me that I am a grown man therefore I should make a plan.
“I was very hungry that is why I decided to trap an animal in order to get food. I had gone for two days without food and I realised that if I did not make a plan I would die and rot in the house since I stay alone,” said Maphosa.
“I beg to be pardoned your Worship, I have never committed any crime before. I had a clean record all along and it was after being desperate that I committed this one but otherwise I am a law-abiding citizen.
“Besides I caught the animal at my boss’s farm as he is the one who is starving me.”
Plumtree magistrate, Mr Gideon Ruvetsa ordered Maphosa to pay $40 fine or spend 15 days in prison in case of default.
Prosecutor Mr Elisha Mazorodze said Maphosa trapped a female reedbuck valued at $500 at Twinstone Farm which is his workplace.
“On 20 July Maphosa went to Edwaleni Farm to gather his cattle along with four other boys who work at the farm. Instead of returning to his workplace to pen the cattle he ordered the boys to proceed with them and he remained behind.
“One of the boys became suspicious and followed him and he found him in possession of game meat of a reedbuck. Upon being questioned Maphosa admitted to have trapped the animal,” said Mr Mazorodze.
Maphosa is employed as a herdboy at Twinstone Farm by a businessman and farmer Douglas Chivere.
He was ordered to compensate the owner of the farm with $500.
Online Reporter
Blessing Chizhande