Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
TALENT Moyo, the controversial man known for wild antics in the streets of Bulawayo, has been sentenced to four months in prison for stealing US$150.
Moyo from Bulawayo’s Emganwini suburb appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Challenge Mahembe, facing a theft charge and was given an option to pay a fine of US$200. Failure to pay would see him jailed for four months. A further three months were suspended on condition he does not commit a similar offence within five years.
Prosecutor Josephine Gurazhira told the court that on 11 September this year, at around 10.20AM, Moyo met Value Chivenge at a shop near the corner of 6th Avenue and Jason Moyo Street in Bulawayo.
Upon seeing the woman, Moyo reportedly stealthily searched her, taking US$150 before running away. Chivenge tried to chase him but failed to catch him. She reported the matter at Bulawayo Central Police Station, leading to Moyo’s arrest.
Moyo acted alone. In his defence he said: “I admit to hugging the complainant but I did not steal her money.”
However, at the end of the trial, the magistrate found him guilty.
In convicting him, the magistrate said: “The State witnesses corroborated each other. The first witness said she had US$150, which she had put in her pocket. She further stated that Moyo moved to her and searched her before taking the money. The second witness said she saw Moyo hugging Chivenge a few minutes later. Chivenge told me that she was missing her money.”
The magistrate added: “The accused does not dispute hugging the complainant; in that regard, you are found guilty. The State’s case is based on circumstantial evidence, since no one saw Moyo take the money. The State proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The court finds Moyo’s defence to be false.”
This is the second brush with the law for Talent. He is yet to appear in court facing allegations of stealing US$48 from a parked car. For this offence, he appeared in court and was ordered to be examined by two State doctors.
Prosecutor Brenda Ndlovu told the court that Talent targeted Welshman Tavengwa’s car parked along Jason Moyo Street between 5th and 6th Avenue. Talent allegedly opened the driver’s door, took a wallet, removed US$48 and fled. Tavengwa reported the matter to Bulawayo Central Police, leading to Talent’s arrest.
