News / Regional
Minister Obert Mpofu robbed!
29 Jun 2013 at 18:34hrs | Views
A Daring security guard who was manning the home of Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu in Nyamandlovu was arrested after he reportedly entered into one of the bedrooms and stole 24 cans of drinks and beer.
For the offence, Khumbulani Khumalo (43), was brought before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Tawanda Muchemwa sitting at Nyamandlovu circuit court. He was charged with theft.
Khumalo was convicted on his own plea of guilty and was spared jail agony when he was sentenced to three months imprisonment which was wholly suspended on condition that he restitutes the wealthy Minister the sum of US$20 which is the cost of the unrecovered beer.
In mitigation, Khumalo prayed for leniency to the court saying when he committed the offence he wanted to quench his thirst for beer which was troubling him during working hours. The 43-year-old father of nine further claimed that a custodial sentence was a double trouble blow to his misery as his wife had dumped him soon after stealing from the Minister Mpofu who is alleged to own nearly half of all commercial properties in the entire Matabeleland North province.
It is State case that on 17 March this year, Khumalo was on duty at Minister Obert Mpofu's home in Nyamandlovu when he used duplicate keys to unlock the door of the main house. After successfully gaining entry it is reported that he proceeded to one of the bedrooms where he took 12 cans of coke, 12 cans of beer nd two 750ml of Nedbury wine.
It is reported that he quickly took the 'bargain' from the rich Minister's house and went with his loot to his place of residence at Acute Crewes Village in Nyamandlovu area where he kept it and drank some of the 'wise waters'.
The court heard that the offence was discovered by one of his workmates, Mabutho Masila, who went to Khumalo's residence and conducted a search and discovered the remaining loot.
Sensing danger, Khumalo the security guard who seemingly needed someone to guard him too, ran away and sought refuge in Bulawayo where he was later arrested after some time.
The value of Minister Mpofu's stolen alcohol and drinks was said to be US$48. Only beverages worth US$28 were recovered.
For the offence, Khumbulani Khumalo (43), was brought before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Tawanda Muchemwa sitting at Nyamandlovu circuit court. He was charged with theft.
Khumalo was convicted on his own plea of guilty and was spared jail agony when he was sentenced to three months imprisonment which was wholly suspended on condition that he restitutes the wealthy Minister the sum of US$20 which is the cost of the unrecovered beer.
In mitigation, Khumalo prayed for leniency to the court saying when he committed the offence he wanted to quench his thirst for beer which was troubling him during working hours. The 43-year-old father of nine further claimed that a custodial sentence was a double trouble blow to his misery as his wife had dumped him soon after stealing from the Minister Mpofu who is alleged to own nearly half of all commercial properties in the entire Matabeleland North province.
It is reported that he quickly took the 'bargain' from the rich Minister's house and went with his loot to his place of residence at Acute Crewes Village in Nyamandlovu area where he kept it and drank some of the 'wise waters'.
The court heard that the offence was discovered by one of his workmates, Mabutho Masila, who went to Khumalo's residence and conducted a search and discovered the remaining loot.
Sensing danger, Khumalo the security guard who seemingly needed someone to guard him too, ran away and sought refuge in Bulawayo where he was later arrested after some time.
The value of Minister Mpofu's stolen alcohol and drinks was said to be US$48. Only beverages worth US$28 were recovered.
Source - news
