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Lodge guest sentenced for stealing towels, bedsheets and bulbs
4 hrs ago | Views
A 24-year-old man from Entumbane suburb in Bulawayo has been sentenced to 315 hours of community service after breaking into two city lodges and stealing property worth US$480.
Witness Sibanda was convicted of theft and appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Eva Matura last Friday. Although he was initially sentenced to 12 months in prison, the magistrate suspended three months for five years, on the condition that he does not commit any dishonesty-related offence during that period.
The remaining nine months were suspended on condition that he completes 315 hours of community service at Siyazama Primary School.
"The remaining nine months imprisonment is suspended on condition that the accused performs 315 hours of community service at Siyazama Primary School on the following conditions," said Mrs Matura during sentencing.
The magistrate said the decision to spare Sibanda from jail time was largely influenced by the full recovery of the stolen property.
Sibanda, who was arrested last Wednesday by armed detectives, had broken into Harris Lodges, a business owned by prominent businessman Mr Byron Rice, the previous Tuesday night. He stole several items, including a cup, plate, solar system, bulbs, bed linen, and towels.
Prosecutor Miss Nkanyezi Xaba told the court that Sibanda was caught by lodge security personnel, with the assistance of the neighbourhood watch committee, before he could escape with the stolen goods.
During mitigation, Sibanda pleaded guilty, telling the court that he intended to use the items for personal purposes. He also revealed that although he is unmarried, he is the primary caregiver for his six-year-old child.
The court warned Sibanda that any future offences involving dishonesty would result in an immediate custodial sentence without the option of a fine.
Witness Sibanda was convicted of theft and appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Eva Matura last Friday. Although he was initially sentenced to 12 months in prison, the magistrate suspended three months for five years, on the condition that he does not commit any dishonesty-related offence during that period.
The remaining nine months were suspended on condition that he completes 315 hours of community service at Siyazama Primary School.
"The remaining nine months imprisonment is suspended on condition that the accused performs 315 hours of community service at Siyazama Primary School on the following conditions," said Mrs Matura during sentencing.
The magistrate said the decision to spare Sibanda from jail time was largely influenced by the full recovery of the stolen property.
Sibanda, who was arrested last Wednesday by armed detectives, had broken into Harris Lodges, a business owned by prominent businessman Mr Byron Rice, the previous Tuesday night. He stole several items, including a cup, plate, solar system, bulbs, bed linen, and towels.
Prosecutor Miss Nkanyezi Xaba told the court that Sibanda was caught by lodge security personnel, with the assistance of the neighbourhood watch committee, before he could escape with the stolen goods.
During mitigation, Sibanda pleaded guilty, telling the court that he intended to use the items for personal purposes. He also revealed that although he is unmarried, he is the primary caregiver for his six-year-old child.
The court warned Sibanda that any future offences involving dishonesty would result in an immediate custodial sentence without the option of a fine.
Source - The Chronicle
