Man steals 5 beasts

A MAN from Filabusi has appeared in court facing charges of stealing nine beasts from a farm in Collen Bawn area.

Honest Mafu (34) of Mthabisi Village in Filabusi area appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Mr Obedience Matare facing stocktheft charges where he was granted a $400 bail.

Mr Matare granted the bail application on condition that Mafu does not interfere with State witnesses and resides at his house in Collen Bawn area.

He was remanded to 15 June for plea recording. Prosecuting, Mr Moses Gondongwe said Mafu connived with two other people who are still at large and stole nine cattle from Riverbrock area in Collen Bawn on 23 May.

“Mafu connived with two other people who are still at large and stole nine cattle, eight belonging to Mr Eviness Zibongwana and one belonging to Mr Bongani Nkomo.

“The offence came to light after his two accomplices who are on the run were seen loading the cattle onto a truck in Jessie Mine. The two accused persons, upon seeing that they had been spotted, fled. A follow-up was made with the assistance of the truck driver which led to Mafu’s arrest after a trap,” said Mr Gondongwe.

He said Mafu was found with a sim card that was used for communication in committing the offence.

Mr Gondongwe said an EcoCash transaction incriminating Mafu was also discovered from the card.

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