TWO Bulawayo security guards have been convicted after orchestrating an audacious inside job that saw three tonnes of maize stolen from their employer.
Philani Mahlangu (42) and John Makwature (51), who were employed by Sondelani Ranching (Private) Limited, were convicted of theft charges by Bulawayo magistrate Barbara Phiri.
They were sentenced to two years in prison each of which six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour, while the remaining 18 months were commuted to 630 hours of community service.
The court heard that the offence occurred in the wee hours of Boxing Day last year.
Mahlangu and Makwature allegedly connived and enlisted the help of Dumisani Moyo to execute the theft.
Moyo, who pleaded not guilty, was released from custody and is expected to return to court on
April 17.
Moyo loaded the stolen maize onto his truck, but the plan quickly unravelled when police officers on patrol intercepted the vehicle and recovered 28 bags of maize from the truck.
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Further investigations led police to a house in Mahatshula North, where an additional 33 bags from an earlier delivery were recovered.
In total, 61 bags of maize valued at US$1 037 were stolen.
