Bernard G Ziwewe
BIKITA-A 26-year-old man from Bikita has been accused of stealing three donkeys valued at US$600 from a fellow villager, with one of the animals subsequently recovered after being sold to another resident.
Tavengwa Mugari, appeared before Magistrate Diana Masiyiwa at the Bikita Magistrates’ Court, with Prosecutor Tonderai Simbi appearing for the State.
According to state outline, the incident allegedly occurred on September 23, 2026, at Chandinofira village under Chief Ziki.
The complainant, identified as Takawira Mazaka, reportedly penned his three donkeys in a kraal at around 6pm before going to sleep.
He allegedly discovered the animals missing the following morning at around 6am.
The complainant did not immediately report the matter to the police but embarked on a search for the missing livestock.
On October 30, 2026, at around 5pm, he reportedly received information that the accused had been seen selling three donkeys, one of which had been purchased by a resident identified as Jean Mukondyo.
The complainant subsequently visited Mukondyo’s homestead in Rwatida village, where he positively identified a brown male donkey with a white stomach as one of his missing animals.
Mukondyo reportedly confirmed that he had purchased the donkey from the accused, who allegedly had been selling three animals before taking the remaining two to his homestead.
The complainant and Mukondyo then proceeded to the accused’s residence, where they reportedly apprehended him.
However, the other two donkeys were not recovered.
The state alleges that the accused entered the complainant’s kraal during the night and stole the three donkeys before leaving unnoticed.
The stolen animals were valued at US$600, with the recovered donkey estimated to be worth US$200.
The trial is set to continue on Thursday.
