A 30-YEAR OLD man from Mvuma was yesterday jailed for an effective five years after he was convicted of theft charges and arson.
Taurai Felix Munatsi stole an assortment of goods belonging to Jerifano Manyemba at Plot 62 Musena in Mvuma and a week later burnt the house to ashes to conceal the theft.
Magistrate, Shotgame Musaiona convicted Munatsi on two charges of theft and malicious damage to property.
On the first count Munatsi was sentenced to seven years of which one year was suspended on condition of good behaviour.
A further three years was suspended on condition Munatsi paid $4 090 restitution to the complainant by August 31.
On the second count Munatsi was slapped with five years in jail and a year was suspended.
The remaining two years were suspended on condition that he pays $3 215 restitution by the end of August.
Munatsi’s alleged accomplice, Francis Chitawu is still on the run.
Prosecutor Andrew Marimo told the court that on June 30, Munatsi entered premises at Plot 62 Musena where he stole a bike, solar equipment, radio, satellite dish, generator, water pump, DVD players, half bucket of maize, telescope, car battery, blanket and clothes.
On July 7, Munatsi and Chitawu went to Manyemba’s homestead and set the thatched house on fire.
Inside the burnt house were nine bags of fertiliser, six asbestos sheets, wardrobe, five doors and door frames among other goods.
Munatsi was arrested after a tip off.-SouthernEye