adminCollette Mukome
A quick way to earn money backfired for a Mutare man after he was fined $100 for cutting 300 trees belonging to Imbeza Estate.
John Zengeni (50) who resides in Zengeni Village in Penhalonga was fined $100 of which failure to pay would attract 60 days behind bars.
He was convicted on his own plea of guilty. Presiding over the matter was Mutare Magistrate Mr Langton Mukwengi whilst Mr Fletcher Karombe prosecuted.
The state heard that, on December 29 at around five in the evening, Zengeni went to Imbeza Estate where he cut 300 gum tree droppers. He piled them while he went to find a truck to ferry them.
Brian Chinyundo who resides at Imbeza Border Timbers compound monitored his movements and alerted other guards. He was apprehended in connection with the offence before he left with the droppers and he was transferred to Penhalonga Police Station.
The trees were worthy $500 and all were recovered.
Asked why he committed the offence Zengeni attributed his bad behaviour to be driven by poverty.
“Your worship even though I committed the offence, the amount is exaggerated, the cut trees are worthy $300. One dropper costs one dollar. I pray that you exercise leniency since I did that out of poverty. I have a family to take care of so I wanted to sell the trees”.
The Magisrate advised that he was going to exercise leniency since the droppers were recovered.
“I should punish you so that other people out there will know that cutting trees is a serious offence. Work hard or find peace jobs to earn a living and desist from that behaviour or you risk going to jail.”
He ordered him to pay $100.
Online Reporter