adminEdward Moyo (55), Elijah Sibanda (24), Zwelithini Moyo (21), Xolisani Nyoni (39), Trymon Moyo (38), Bitwell Ncube (27), Dingani Moyo (25) Meli Ncube (58), Jeffrey Moyo (29), Mthonisi Moyo (54) and the 17-year-old juvenile, all residing at different homesteads in Makhaza Village in Tsholotsho, were charged with stock theft after they connived to kill a stray bull on 18 January 2012.
The bull had reportedly been in the village and the villagers started complaining that it was destroying crops and they decided to slaughter it.
Edward, Sibanda, Zwelithini, Nyoni, Trymon, Bitwell, Dingani, Ncube, Jeffrey, Mthonisi and the juvenile all pleaded guilty to the offence when they appeared before Tsholotsho resident magistrate, Mr Toindepi Zhou on Tuesday.
In mitigation, they told court that the bull had become uncontrollable and caused them enough trouble by destroying crops, which is why they decided to kill it.
Edward, who is a guardian to the juvenile, left the court stunned when he said he knew he was committing an offence but feared that if he refused to take part other villagers would label him a sell out.
Edward, Sibanda, Zwelithini, Nyoni, Trymon, Bitwell, Dingani, Ncube, Jeffrey and Mthonisi were sentenced to nine years each in prison while the juvenile boy was sentenced to receive corporal punishment of six strokes and in addition the court sentenced him to a wholly suspended two year jail term on condition of good behaviour.
The State’s case as presented by Mr Fritz Madida was that on 18 January, they 11 hatched a plan to eliminate the stray bull claiming it was destroying their crops yet knowing they could have informed the police about it.
They drove the bull to the grazing area in their village where they slaughtered it and shared the meat.
They were arrested after police received a tip off from members of the public that some people had killed a stray beast.
The value of the bull was $400 and only a few pieces of dried meat were recovered from the eleven’s places of residence.
Online Reporter