Online Reporter
Peter Matika
A 24-YEAR-OLD Entumbane man who treated city lodges like his personal linen closet has been slapped with a 12-month imprisonment term after he was caught stealing towels, bedsheets, cups, and a solar system.
Witness Sibanda, who thought he could check in and check out with other people’s property, was convicted of stealing goods worth US$480 from two of Byron Rice’s Harris Lodges in Bulawayo last week.
Sibanda was hauled to court by armed detectives and pleaded guilty to the theft spree. The stolen stash included a solar panel, bulbs, a cup, plate, towels, and bed linen.
His grand heist ended in embarrassment when he was nabbed by vigilant lodge security with help from the neighbourhood watch committee while trying to flee with his fluffy loot.
Appearing before magistrate Eva Matura, Sibanda initially received a 12-month prison sentence. However, three months were suspended for five years, and the remaining nine months were converted to 315 hours of community service at Siyazama Primary School.
In court, Sibanda tried to mop up sympathy, telling the magistrate he wasn’t married but had a 6-year-old child to care for. He also claimed he only stole the items because he “wanted to use them.”
However, the court was not moved by his plea.
All stolen property was recovered.
derick.khumalo