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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
THREE Beitbridge men have been arrested for stealing 28 buckets of amacimbi valued at $720 from a harvester.
Thokozani Chirukure, Themba Machakari and Sydney Moyo sped off after they loaded Mr Lazarous Chimwango of Dulivadzimu area in Beitbridge’s buckets of amacimbi into their vehicle, leaving him behind after he had asked for a lift.
Chirukure was convicted on his own plea of guilty to theft by Gwanda magistrate, Miss Nomagugu Ncube while his two accomplices were discharged after Mr Chimwango withdrew charges against them saying they had compensated him.
Chirukure was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and three months were suspended on condition he does not commit a similar offence within the next three years. Three months were further suspended on condition he pays $720 restitution to Mr Chimwango by 30 May.
The remaining six months were further suspended on condition he performs 210 hours of community service at Beitbridge Magistrate Court.
Prosecuting, Mr Takudzwa Mafudze said Chirukure stole amacimbi on 14 April at around 12 midnight.
“On 14 April Chirukure and two other men were travelling in a silver Honda Fit vehicle when they were stopped by Mr Chimwango at the 149-kilometre peg along Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road.
“Mr Chimwango requested for transport to Beitbridge and he had with him 28 buckets of amacimbi. Chirukure assisted Mr Chimwango to load the buckets into the car while his accomplices remained in the car. After they had loaded the last bucket Chirukure jumped into the vehicle and directed the driver to speed away, leaving Mr Chimwango behind,” said Mr Mafudze.
He said Mr Chimwango managed to get the vehicle registration number and he reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of the three men at West Nicholson. He said the stolen amacimbi were valued at $720 and nothing was recovered. In mitigation, Mr Chirukure said they stole in a bid to sell them to raise money.-@DubeMatutu
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