Man jailed for stealing US$204 cable from former employer

Ryan Sibanda [email protected]

A 37-year-old Bulawayo man has been sentenced to eight months in prison for stealing a Flexi cable worth US$204 from his former employer’s residence in Burnside.

Augustine Ncube of 61 Arnold Road, Burnside, was convicted of theft when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Shingai Mutiro.

Prosecuting, Mr Arnold Mudekunye said Ncube stole the cable on April 3 this year at around 3PM at number 6 Honsea Road, Burnside.

The court heard that Ncube entered the yard through an open gate before proceeding to the garage where he stole the Flexi cable.

He allegedly threw the cable over a precast wall before leaving the premises. The cable, valued at US$204, was later recovered.

The court further heard that Ncube and the complainant, Mr Jennifer Innes (35) were not related but had previously been employer and employee.

Ncube was charged with theft as defined in Section 113(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

In sentencing Ncube to eight months in prison, the court suspended four months for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence.

The remaining four months are effective. The court took into account that the stolen property had been recovered.

Mudekunye urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, arguing that theft undermined the rights of property owners.