Trio convicted of stock theft.

Faith Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter

THREE men who faced one count of stock theft were convicted and sentenced to nine years six months imprisonment, with six months suspended on condition of restitution US$1 000.

According to a statement by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Tapiwa Tsingidzu (34) from Dzivasekwa, Fast Mutata (40) from Kuwadwana 6 and Emmerson Makahamadze (36) from Kuwadwana Phase 3 were brought before the Karoi Magistrates’ Court.

“On the 29th of August 2024, at around 2100 hours and at Plot 62 Hopewell Selous, the accused persons proceeded to the complainant’s cattle pen equipped with knives, ropes, black polythene plastic sheet, lengthy rubber string, small plastic containing sausages, multiple 50kg empty sacks and small plastic containing termic poison,” reads the statement.

They opened the cattle pen and took away two beasts branded LC, before leaving the place and drove the beasts to a secluded bush which was four kilometres away.

“The accused persons slaughtered the beasts and packed the meat into sacks before their accomplice brought vehicle which was on standby to transport the carcasses to Harare,” said the NPAZ.

The matter came to light when they were caught trying to commit a similar crime, the total value stolen was US$1 000.