The Sunday News
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
A MAN from Beitbridge has been jailed for 12 years for stealing seven herd of cattle from a farm in Gwanda.
Ephraim Dube (23) from Zezani was intercepted by villagers while driving the cattle resulting in his arrest.
He pleaded not guilty to a charge of stock theft when he appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Mrs Nomagugu Sibanda last week but was convicted due to overwhelming evidence.
Dube was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment of which three years were suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.
In his defence Dube said he was resting under a tree near a borehole when some villagers approached him and accused him of stealing a herd of cattle that was grazing close by.
“I don’t admit to the charge Your Worship, as I didn’t steal any cattle as is alleged. I was resting under a tree on the day in question and some villagers approached me and accused me of stealing seven herd of cattle that were nearby. I don’t know anything about those cattle or where they came from as I merely slept close to where they were,” he said.
Prosecuting Mr Pernson Chekeya said Dube went to Plot 23 Railway Block in West Nicholson on 19 December and stole seven head of cattle which belong to Mr Thandolwenkosi Maphosa and went away unnoticed.
He said Dube drove the cattle to Nkalanke Village in Guyu where he was spotted by some villagers who became suspicious.
“The villagers intercepted Dube who fled from the scene upon realising that he had been caught. The villagers pursued Dube and managed to apprehend him and they recovered the seven beasts which were branded.
“The villagers escorted Dube to the police station where police checked the brand marks of the beasts and identified Mr Maphosa as their owner. The value of the stolen beasts is $5 600,” said Mr Chekeya.
@DubeMatutu
