Cephas Shava
MWENEZI – A 21-year-old stock theft suspect who was given US$50 bail by the Mwenezi Magistrates Court last week had the shock of his life after he was immediately rearrested on similar charges by police detectives from Mberengwa.
Isaac Sibanda of Musina village under Chief Muzetese, Mwenezi, was not formally charged when he appeared before Magistrate Honest Musiwa but was given bail after the intervention of his defence lawyer, Kossam Chuma.
His freedom, however, lasted only for a few seconds after the detectives, who were already in court waiting for him in connection with other stock theft cases in Mberengwa, immediately pounced on him.
Although the State had argued against bail, the defence lawyer successfully convinced the court that Sibanda was a suitable candidate for bail.
The State’s case, led by prosecutor Willard Chasi, is that sometime in August 2016, Sibanda went to village Sichevo under Chief Maranda where he stole two beasts; one belonging to Simbarashe Mhizha and the other to Matambo Mpofu.
The suspect was allegedly spotted driving five more cattle and on August 19, 2016, he sold them at Vuruka dip tank.
The State further claims that village head Barwei Sibanda witnessed the transaction with Sibanda selling the cattle using two different stock cards; one with the name Isaac Sibanda and the other bearing the name Isaac Sikhahlo but both with the same identity number.
A police report was made leading to Sibanda’s arrest. The trial is expected to resume by the end of this month.local
