The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa Weekender Correspondent
A MARANGE man who claims to be a member of the Zimbabwe National Army was last Friday convicted of stock theft charges after he was caught red-handed in a neighbour’s fowl run trying to steal chickens.
Rushmore Nyamutata (25) also pleaded guilty to stealing four more chickens previously and escaped without being seen when he appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mr Innocent Bepura last Friday.
In mitigation, Nyamutata told the court that he did not know how he ended up in his neighbour’s fowl run. He accused evil spirits, claiming that it was his relatives who were using him as their scapegoat to conduct their wicked acts.
Asked on why he had stolen chickens worth $20 while his monthly salary was $550, Nyamutata insisted that it was the work of his evil relatives who did not want to see him prosper.
He was ordered to pay $50 fine or risk 10 days imprisonment.
He came back to steal more, but luck ran out of him when Fenyere was awakened by the noise that the chickens were making.
Fenyere raised alarm and Nyamutata quickly jumped her brick wall. He landed into the backyard of another neighbour and was immediately arrested. he value of the stolen chicken was $20 and all was recovered.
Public prosecutor, Mr Fletcher Karombe represented the State.
