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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
TWO workers at a ranch in West Nicholson have each been ordered to pay a $1 000 fine for stealing three bags of stock feed from their employer.
Saratiel Marima (40) and Lyton Dube (23) who both work at Chipizi Ranch were convicted on their own plea of guilty to theft by Gwanda magistrate, Miss Lerato Nyathi last week. They were each ordered to pay a $1 000 fine or sentenced to 30 days imprisonment in case of default.
In addition, they were each sentenced to five months imprisonment which was wholly suspended on condition that they do not commit a similar offence within the next five years. In mitigation the pair said they intended to sell the stock feed in a bid to raise money to fend for their families as they were struggling to make ends meet due to the prevailing economic challenges.
Prosecuting, Miss Faith Mutukwa said Marima and Dube who are both employed as general workers at Chipizi Ranch stole three bags of stock feed on 25 August.
“On August 25 Marima and Dube were feeding cattle when they hid three bags of stock feed in a bush.
“The stock feed was discovered by Mr Nicholas Ndlovu who is a game scout while he was conducting his patrols. He then laid an ambush and saw Marima and Dube collecting two of the hidden bags of stock feed and they went away with them. Mr Ndlovu informed other scouts and they followed the accused persons and apprehended them. They informed the ranch manager and the pair was escorted to West Nicholson police station leading to their arrest,” she said.
Miss Mutukwa said the value of the stolen stock feed is R500.-@DubeMatutu
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