Injiva loses donkey, cattle to employee

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A ZIMBABWEAN man working in South Africa — popularly known as injiva — lost five cattle, one donkey and other property and cash worth over $2 900 to an employee.

A ZIMBABWEAN man working in South Africa — popularly known as injiva — lost five cattle, one donkey and other property and cash worth over $2 900 to an employee.

SILAS NKALA STAFF REPORTER

This was heard when Bongani Ndlovu (43) of Lusulu in Binga appeared before Binga resident magistrate Stephen Ndlovu charged with theft and stocktheft on Friday.

He initially denied the charges, but later admitted after a full trial had been conducted.

The magistrate convicted him on both counts and sentenced him to 14 months in jail for theft, but suspended four months for five years on condition of good behaviour.

On the stocktheft charge, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Three years were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.

The magistrate said the sentences would be served concurrently meaning he would serve 12 years in jail.

Prosecutor Bruce Maphosa told the court that sometime in 2009, the complainant Norbet Ntshali of Lusulu in Binga who works in South Africa, left his property which included cattle, donkeys, two bicycles, five door frames and two doors under the care of Ndlovu when he went to work in South Africa.

Ndlovu sold the bicycles, doors and door frames. He also stole Ntshali’s five cattle and one donkey.

Ntshali’s was told by a kraal head in the area that Ndlovu had sold all his livestock.

Ntshali asked Ndlovu about the livestock and told him to drive them home, but he failed.

The State said Ntshali had also sent $500 to Ndlovu asking him to buy some beasts, but he had converted the money to his own use.

Ntshali reported the matter to the police leading to Ndlovu’s arrest.

The total prejudice to Ntshali was over $2 900 and nothing was recovered.