The Sunday News
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Plumtree Correspondent
A FORM Two pupil from Phakamani High School in Plumtree has appeared in court for stealing three cellphones and a memory stick all valued at $600 during church services.
The 14-year-old juvenile, who cannot be named for ethical reasons, was convicted on his own plea of guilty to four counts of theft when he appeared before Plumtree magistrate Mr Taurai Manwere last week. He told the court that he stole as he had been assigned by his older brother to do so.
Mr Manwere warned and cautioned the juvenile against engaging in criminal activities.
“The offences you committed are serious and you were supposed to go to jail but this time around I will let you go with a warning. Repeat these criminal activities again and you will definitely go to prison. Go back home and be a good child. You are still young and should be concentrating on you education not on criminal activities,” said Mr Manwere.
Prosecuting, Mr Elisha Mazorodze said the juvenile stole the property from members of the St Theresa Roman Catholic Church in Plumtree on three separate days last year. He said on 18 September, Mr Richard Khumalo left his cellphone charging in the car and went to attend a church service leaving the vehicle unlocked.
Mr Mazorodze said the juvenile opened the car and stole the cellphone valued at $200 and went away unnoticed. He said after the church service Mr Khumalo realised that his phone had been stolen.
“On 29 October, Mr Allen Nleya placed his black Asha cellphone on the charger in one of the St Theresa Roman Catholic Church guest rooms and went to attend a church service. The juvenile forced open the door using an unknown object and stole the cell phone valued at $90.
“Mr Alexious Maphosa also left his memory stick in his car on the same day and went for a church service leaving the doors unlocked. The juvenile opened the door and stole the memory stick valued at $10,” said Mr Mazorodze.
He said on 13 November, Mr Mthokozisi Ndlovu left his Samsung J5 cell phone in his car and did not lock the doors. The juvenile stole the cellphone which is valued at $300.
Mr Mazorodze said police carried out investigations which resulted in the juvenile’s arrest. He said two cellphones and the memory stick were recovered.
