Decide Nhendo
A 36-year-old man from Sonamizi Village under Chief Nyajena appeared at Masvingo Magistrates Court on January 15 2023 facing stock theft allegations.
Wireless Chimeura appeared before Masvingo Magistrate Elizabeth Hanzie being charged with stock theft after he sold Marakia Muvenge of Mamhazha Village’s cow and was remanded in custody waiting for continuation of trial set to take place on January 29.
Appearing before Hanzie, Chimeura pleaded guilty and said he had sold the cow to cover some debts that were mounting on him and it was with Muvenge’s consent, but Muvenge disagreed that he had given Chimeura the green light to do so.
“I agree that I sold the cow but it was because of the pressure on me as I was owing some people a sum of money that was due to be paid and Muvenge had also given me the power to sell the cow,” said Chimera.
The state represented by prosecutor Godknows Mugondo alleged that on February 26, 2023, Chimeura approached Muvenge and asked to rent his cattle for ploughing after which Muvenge agreed and gave Chimeura five cattle.
The state also alleges that after two months Chimeura again asked for other cattle and was given an additional four to make them nine.
It is reported that in September 2023 Chimeura took one of the complainant’s heifers and sold it to Raymond Chisveto without the consent of Muvenge.
Upon realizing what Chimeura had done Muvenge reported the matter to Masvingo rural police station leading to the arrest of Chimeura and the recovery of the stolen cow as well as the other remaining cattle at his homestead.