Murehwa Teen Jailed Nine Years After Stealing 11 Cattle to Pay Father’s Legal Fees

Teen Steals 11 Cattle to Raise Legal Fees for Father, Gets Nine Years in Jail

A 19-year-old Murehwa man has been jailed for nine years after stealing 11 cattle in an attempt to raise money for his father’s legal fees.

Brighton Zvironzo, from Kadenge Village under Chief Mangwende, admitted to the offence when he appeared before Murehwa Magistrate Panashe Matongo.

He told the court that he wanted to use proceeds from the stolen cattle to hire a lawyer for his father.

His father is currently on remand over allegations that he stole seven donkeys from the same community.

The case involved 71-year-old Nicholas Chakavarika of Chakavarika Village.

Prosecutor Anesu Gwena told the court that Chakavarika secured his 14 cattle inside a kraal at around 5pm on August 4.

Later that night, Zvironzo allegedly entered the kraal with an accomplice who remains at large.

The pair allegedly drove away 11 cattle without being noticed.

Chakavarika discovered the theft at around 6am the following morning.

He attempted to follow the animals’ tracks but could not locate them.

After failing to trace the cattle, Chakavarika alerted fellow villagers through WhatsApp groups.

A tip later reached police indicating that Zvironzo and his accomplice were moving 11 cattle towards Chizanga Village.

Police responded and intercepted the pair in the Chief Mangwende area.

Zvironzo was arrested, while his alleged accomplice remains at large.

All 11 cattle were recovered and returned to their owner.

The recovered animals were valued at approximately US$4,400.

Zvironzo pleaded guilty to stock theft.

His explanation to the court was that he had stolen the cattle to raise funds for his father’s legal representation.

Despite the reason he gave for committing the offence, the court sentenced him to nine years in prison.