A student at the Midlands State University has appeared before Masvingo Magistrate accused of stealing a bucket of paint worth $500 from his uncle.
The student, Rukudzo Tarupiwa who is 25-year-old and from Masvingo was recently sentenced to perform 70 hours community service.
Magistrate Conceptor Ngwerume sentenced the accused to four months imprisonment but conditionally suspended two months for five years and the remainder on condition he performs 70 hours of unpaid work at Rujeko Primary School.
It is reported that police officers on patrol spotted Tarupiwa selling the acrylic PVA white wall paint for a song on March 4 around 11pm and at Exormart Complex. The police got suspicious and arrested him.
The police then investigated the matter and discovered that the student had stolen the paint from his uncle, Victor Mafuku, who kept it in his room.
Crime rates have been increasing in the country with some noble people caught doing things society does not expect them to be doing.
For instance, a Science teacher was caught stealing green mealies, an act that degrades the teaching profession.
Some attribute the rise in crime to the deteriorating state of affairs. There is a highunemployment rate and those who work are complaining about the erosion of their salaries.
More: NewZiana