Donkey thieves jailed 12 years

Three men from Plumtree have been sentenced to a combined total of twelve years in jail for stealing donkeys from local grazing lands. Magistrate Joshua Nembaware handed down the sentences following guilty pleas from the accused.

Butholezwe Ngwenya (48), Handsome Sibanda (25), and Batmile Ndebele (31) each received a four-year jail term, with one year conditionally suspended.

Prosecutor Selestine Madziwa told the court that in March, the trio conspired to steal eight donkeys grazing in communal lands. The stolen animals were then divided among the three and taken to their respective homes.

The owner of the donkeys reported the theft to the police and was able to positively identify the animals, having previously marked them.

The magistrate's ruling sends a clear message about the consequences of livestock theft in the Plumtree community.