Stock thief jailed 16 years

News
A VILLAGER from Gokwe North was on Friday slapped with a 16-year jail term after he stole his neighbour’s four beasts.

A VILLAGER from Gokwe North was on Friday slapped with a 16-year jail term after he stole his neighbour’s four beasts. REPORT BY SILAS NKALA

Casbert Makwena (31) pleaded guilty to stocktheft charges when he appeared before Gokwe resident magistrate Shepherd Munjanja.

The magistrate convicted and sentenced him to 16 years in jail. Two years were suspended for three years on condition of good behaviour.

The prosecutor Mandla Ndlovu told the court that on August 12, the complainant Cuthbert Chikwenya (33) of the same area left his cattle grazing in the bush close to Ume River.

Makwena went to the grazing area and drove four beasts belonging to Chikwenya to his home.

He was arrested by police while still driving the stolen beasts after the complainant had made a report.

The value of the stolen cattle is $1 500. All were recovered.