MARTIN MAWAYA
Mvuma Magistrate, Constance Mtandwa has slapped Zvishavane farmer with 54 years in prison for stealing 49 herds of cattle from farms around Gwanza, Lalapanzi area.
Tinodakufa Hove (36) of Grandville farm, Zvishavane was facing six counts of stocktheft.
The daring cattle rustler however denied all the charges but was convicted after a full trial.
Prosecuting, Takudzwa Mutyavaviri told the court that Hove would steal cattle, keep them for a shorter period at his farm before taking them to Tamson Usate for safe keeping and latter sell them or exchange with local villagers for ox that he would then slaughter and sell to butcheries in Zvishavane.
The court heard that in July 2021 at Nantes farm village in Gwanza, Lalapanzi, Hove stole seven herds of cattle belonging to Benedict Mugari and took them to his farm before exchanging or slaughter them for selling to the butcheries.
Using the same modus operandi the accused stole seven beasts belonging to Methias Toperesu, seven herds of cattle owned by Collen Tobaiwa and an additional 12 beasts for Elliott Matambo on March 27, 2023 at farm 45 Tokwe, Gwanza in Lalapanzi.
Prosecutor Mutyavaviri further told the court that in June 2023 and July 26, 2023, Hove stole nine beasts from Nomsa Munyimi of Gwanza South Village as well as seven herds of cattle belonging to Brenda Mushava of Gwanza West Village.
