A 34-year-old man from Mwanga Farm in Darwendale has been warned and cautioned by the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court after being found guilty of stealing his friend’s dog.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident occurred in June 2024 when Sithole and the complainant visited a neighbouring farm to drink beer.
The complainant brought his dog, valued at US$35, but during their time together, Sithole secretly took the dog and sold it without the complainant’s knowledge.
The complainant discovered the dog was missing on their way home and later learned, in July 2024, that Sithole had sold it.
In addition to the dog theft, Sithole faced charges of stock theft. On August 16, 2024, the complainant secured his cattle for the night.
The next morning, he heard a mooing sound from the pen and went to investigate. He found a cow standing next to its deceased calf, which had a missing left rear leg.
Nearby, he discovered a blood-stained stone, a makeshift knife, and an old torch, which he recognized as belonging to Sithole.
A police report was filed, leading to Sithole’s arrest. The value of the stolen livestock was estimated at US$300, but nothing was recovered.
Sithole was sentenced to nine years in prison for his conviction on the stock theft charge.
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