Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu [email protected]
Two men accused of stock theft have escaped jail after the Plumtree Magistrates’ Court discharged them to turn state witnesses against their alleged accomplice.
Limukani Nkomo (40) and Palmer Sibanda (23), both herd boys, were set free by Magistrate Mr Busani Sibanda recently.
The State withdrew charges against them and indicated it intends to use them as witnesses against Misheck Banda (58), who was remanded in custody.
Banda is the foreman at Matobo CC sales pens in Figtree and is facing stock theft charges.
According to court papers, on 25 June this year at Matobo CC sales pens, Banda, Nkomo and Sibanda allegedly unlawfully sold a heifer belonging to Trust Ncube of South Africa, who is represented by his nephew Hlanganani Dube (62).
The charge states that one or all of them took the heifer knowing that Ncube was entitled to it, or realising there was a risk he was entitled, and intending to deprive him of ownership and control.
The court heard that a second heifer also went missing from the complainant’s herd in September 2024.
Banda is alleged to have received two heifers at the sales pens on 24 June, around 7 pm. The cattle were brought in by Nkomo and Sibanda.
The State alleges that Nkomo and Sibanda told Banda the cattle belonged to one “P. Sibanda”. However, Banda allegedly went ahead and received the animals without contacting said owner and without the required government documents – a ZRP Form 392 stock clearance certificate and a veterinary movement permit showing ownership.
It is alleged the three later connived and sold the two heifers.
The matter was reported to police, leading to the arrest of Banda and Nkomo. The complainant later traced one heifer to Agim Nyathi’s farm, where he positively identified and recovered it.
The total value of the stolen heifers is US$1,021.33. The recovered heifer is valued at US$700.
Nkomo and Sibanda were represented by Mr Joshua Nembaware of T. Hara and Partners, Bulawayo.
Prosecutor Ms Ruth Ncube told the court the State was withdrawing charges against the two in order to use them as witnesses in the case against Banda.
Magistrate Sibanda granted the discharge. Banda remains remanded in custody and will appear again for trial.
Stock theft remains a major challenge for farmers in Matabeleland South, with police and the courts urging livestock owners to brand cattle and ensure all movement permits are obtained to curb the vice.
