David Nyakuvengwa in Bikita
09 Feb 2016 – BIKITA – A notorious Bikita thief, Esau Chinoona (45) of Nemananzva village under Chief Ziki, was last week slapped with a 10 – year prison sentence by Bikita Resident Magistrate Caroline Tafira after being convicted of stock theft.
Three months of the sentence was suspended on condition that the accused gives the complaint restitution to the tune of US$375 by February 24, 2017.
His accomplice, Samson Chiparange, was remanded in custody in connection with a previous case.
Chinoona, who was being represented by Walter Mumbijo of Ruvengo Maboke and Partners, pleaded for a lenient sentence, telling the court that he is a father to 23 children of which only three are over 18 years.
Magistrate Tafira dismissed the plea, saying matters of stock theft have a mandatory sentence ranging from nine to 25 years. She however considered that the accused was a first offender.
It was the State’s case that on the November 6, 2016 in Nemanhanzva village, Chinoona, together with Chiparange, stole six cattle from Flora Chingani and sold them to Ernest Makonese of Chegwite village under Chief Ziki.
Two heifers are said to have died while being driven after the theft.
Richard Nyamuwomba stood for the state.news
