News / National
Drama in court as convicted man attempt to escape
05 Apr 2014 at 07:18hrs | Views
THERE was drama at Chipinge Magistrates' Court on Tuesday when a convicted cattle rustler tried to bolt out of the courtroom in protest against the 20-year jail term imposed on him.
John Mbeure (51) tried to escape from the courtroom, but his dash for freedom was short-lived as alert guards apprehended him.
He refused to appear for the finalisation of the matter, accusing Chipinge magistrate Mr Makamera Waini of asking him silly questions.
"I will not appear before this court again because you are asking me ‘silly questions'.
"I told this court that I am innocent because the culprit who was involved in this issue is there and is enjoying freedom.
"You are again continuing asking me questions you have been asking me whenever I appeared before you. Please handcuff me, I will rather rot in jail than continuing entertaining your silly questions," he said.
Area prosecutor Mr Last Goredema said sometime in August 2012, police based at Middle Sabi received a report that 19 head of cattle were stolen from Chibuwe area, Chipinge.
"Investigations were carried out as far as Madziro and Montana Meats in Mutare with no leads. Police at Middle Sabi then engaged its sister stations, Chisumbanje and Mabee, which polices along the Mozambican border.
"Police alerted their Mozambican counterparts. After investigations police discovered that the missing cattle had been driven to Mozambique and Constable Chiwandamira went there to investigate. Upon arrival they were advised that the accused person was arrested at Chingove Base.
"Police led by Cst Chiwandamira approached a Mozambican police officer, Huo, and the village head who then directed them to the police base where the accused person was being detained," he said.
Mr Goredema said 14 beasts were recovered and Mbeure, together with the recovered cattle, was taken to Mabee Police Base.
One of the complainants, Jerumu Ringisai, positively identified the recovered cattle at Mabee Police Base.
He said all the cattle belonged to Ziyanai Muripo of Dhumisayi Village.
"The accused admitted stealing the cattle and said five of the beasts were sold to Montana Meats in Chiredzi. The value of the stolen cattle was $9 400, while the recovered cattle were valued at $8 000," said Mr Goredema.
In sentencing him, Mr Waini said Mbeure was trying to distance himself from the offence, yet there was overwhelming evidence incriminating him.
"There is overwhelming evidence against the accused person although he wants to distance himself from the case.
"Cattle are an important asset in our community and they are regarded as a measure of wealth.
"The minimum custodial sentence for stock theft is nine years for each beast," he said.
Mbeure was sentenced to 20 years and five years were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
John Mbeure (51) tried to escape from the courtroom, but his dash for freedom was short-lived as alert guards apprehended him.
He refused to appear for the finalisation of the matter, accusing Chipinge magistrate Mr Makamera Waini of asking him silly questions.
"I will not appear before this court again because you are asking me ‘silly questions'.
"I told this court that I am innocent because the culprit who was involved in this issue is there and is enjoying freedom.
"You are again continuing asking me questions you have been asking me whenever I appeared before you. Please handcuff me, I will rather rot in jail than continuing entertaining your silly questions," he said.
Area prosecutor Mr Last Goredema said sometime in August 2012, police based at Middle Sabi received a report that 19 head of cattle were stolen from Chibuwe area, Chipinge.
"Investigations were carried out as far as Madziro and Montana Meats in Mutare with no leads. Police at Middle Sabi then engaged its sister stations, Chisumbanje and Mabee, which polices along the Mozambican border.
"Police alerted their Mozambican counterparts. After investigations police discovered that the missing cattle had been driven to Mozambique and Constable Chiwandamira went there to investigate. Upon arrival they were advised that the accused person was arrested at Chingove Base.
"Police led by Cst Chiwandamira approached a Mozambican police officer, Huo, and the village head who then directed them to the police base where the accused person was being detained," he said.
Mr Goredema said 14 beasts were recovered and Mbeure, together with the recovered cattle, was taken to Mabee Police Base.
One of the complainants, Jerumu Ringisai, positively identified the recovered cattle at Mabee Police Base.
He said all the cattle belonged to Ziyanai Muripo of Dhumisayi Village.
"The accused admitted stealing the cattle and said five of the beasts were sold to Montana Meats in Chiredzi. The value of the stolen cattle was $9 400, while the recovered cattle were valued at $8 000," said Mr Goredema.
In sentencing him, Mr Waini said Mbeure was trying to distance himself from the offence, yet there was overwhelming evidence incriminating him.
"There is overwhelming evidence against the accused person although he wants to distance himself from the case.
"Cattle are an important asset in our community and they are regarded as a measure of wealth.
"The minimum custodial sentence for stock theft is nine years for each beast," he said.
Mbeure was sentenced to 20 years and five years were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
Source - Manicapost
