ZANU-PF councilor sentenced to 20 years for stock theft

By Promise Dube

ZANU-PF councilor for Ward 17 in Insiza North, Sindiso Ndlovu (40), has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of two counts of stock theft.

Ndlovu and his co-accused, Buhle Nkomazana (28), an employee at Break and Turn Butchery in the Nkankezi Business Centre, and Onias Dube, who works at Esigodini Abattoirs, initially faced three counts of stock theft.

According to the state, Ndlovu allegedly sold stolen cattle to Esigodini Abattoirs, where the complainants later identified the skins of their slaughtered animals. The state also alleged that Ndlovu sold livestock that he falsely claimed was his property without recording the sales on his stock card, making it difficult to trace his livestock transactions.

The first charge alleges Ndlovu went to Plot 93 Ebenezer Farm in Filabusi and stole two cattle from cattle farmer Richard Dube. The trio reportedly cleared the cattle at the local police station before taking them to the Esigodini Abattoirs for slaughter.

The second count concerned the alleged theft of two cattle belonging to Sinovuyo Ndlovu on Insiza grazing lands.

The third count related to the alleged theft of seven cattle from Shadreck Malinga at Plot 3 Winnfred Farm in Filabusi.

Filabusi magistrate Abednico Ndebele found the suspect guilty of the first two charges and dismissed the third charge.

Ndlovu and Nkomazana were each sentenced to 20 years in prison, although they will actually serve 14 years after part of their sentences were suspended on condition of good behavior and restitution to the pastoralists. Dube was fined $400 or given an alternative sentence of two years in prison for receiving stolen property.

The trial, which commenced on February 5, 2024, experienced numerous delays due to repeated requests for adjournments from the defense and the transfer of the original trial magistrate from Filabusi to Bulawayo, further prolonging the proceedings.