Gokwe villager jailed for stocktheft

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A GOKWE man was on Thursday jailed for an effective 16 years for stealing three beasts from another villager, which he used to pay off a debt.

A GOKWE man was on Thursday jailed for an effective 16 years for stealing three beasts from another villager, which he used to pay off a debt. RICHARD MUPONDE SENIOR COURT REPORTER

Starkland Ndombondombo (28) pleaded not guilty to three counts of stocktheft, but was convicted by senior provincial magistrate Shepherd Mjanja.

He was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Two years were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.

The complainant in the matter was Ben Chingoma who lived in the same village with Ndombondombo.

Charges against Ndombondombo emanated on August 30 when Chingoma penned his cattle at around 5pm.

At night, Ndombondombo went to Chingoma’s homestead and drove away three beasts to his homestead.

The following day, he took the beasts to another village and used them to pay his undisclosed debt.

Chingoma discovered that his beasts were missing in the morning.

He got a tip-off that the missing cattle had been seen at a homestead at a neighbouring village.

Chingoma went to the villagers’ homestead and found his three beasts.

The owner of the homestead told him they were brought by Ndombondombo as payment of a debt.

Chingoma confronted Ndombondombo, but he professed ignorance about the matter which was referred to the police.

Police investigations led to Ndombondombo’s arrest and all the beasts were recovered.