A 24-year-old man from Entumbane, Witness Sibanda, has been convicted for stealing household items including towels, bed linen, light bulbs, and a solar panel from two Bulawayo lodges.
The thefts occurred last week at properties owned by Byron Rice, where Sibanda had booked in as a guest before attempting to make off with stolen items valued at US$480.
His plans were foiled when he was caught in the act by lodge security, with assistance from members of the neighbourhood watch committee. He was detained while trying to flee and later handed over to the police.
Sibanda appeared before Magistrate Eva Matura at the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to the charges. The court heard that items recovered included towels, bedsheets, bulbs, a solar panel, a cup, and a plate.
Entumbane Man Sentenced for Stealing from Bulawayo Lodges
In his defense, Sibanda claimed he stole the goods for personal use and cited the burden of raising a six-year-old child. However, the magistrate dismissed his plea for leniency.
He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with three months suspended for five years. The remaining nine months were converted to 315 hours of community service, which he is to perform at Siyazama Primary School.
All stolen items were successfully recovered.
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