Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura ,Court Reporter
A 45-year-old Bulawayo man has been sentenced to one year in prison for stealing various items from his employer.
Tonderayi Mudonhi from Emganwini suburb pleaded guilty to theft charges when he appeared before Western Commonage magistrate, Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube.
Mudonhi was employed at TelOne and stole 10 parallel step poles, 2xS & L poles, and two wires worth about US$390.
Ncube sentenced him to 12 months in prison of which six months were suspended for five years on condition he does not commit the same offense.
The remaining six months were suspended on condition he performs 210 hours of community service at Nkulumane Police Station, starting Tuesday.
Prosecuting, Ms Audrey Kufandikanwe, said the theft incident occurred on September 12.
On that date at around 12PM, the complainant, Joe Gutsa (48), who is employed by TelOne Company as the loss control officer received information that there were stolen poles at Mudonhi’s place of residence.
The court heard that Gutsa, armed with the information he received, went to Tshabalala Police Station where he picked up officers and proceeded to the accused person’s place of residence.
When they arrived, a search was conducted, leading to the recovery of 10 parallel step poles, 2x S & L poles, and two wires, said Ms Kufandikanwe.
Mudonhi was questioned by the officers about how he got hold of the property, and he revealed that he had bought the property from one Essen Dube who was later arrested and has a separate court case.
The total value stolen is US$390 and the total value recovered is US$390 though some poles were damaged.
Sidumisile Mabena