By James Gwati- A Harare magistrate Mrs Munashe Chibanda has sentenced popular comedienne Felistus Murata, also known as Mai TT, to nine (9) months imprisonment.

Murata was convicted of theft of trust property of a hired car.

Magistrate Chbanda sent Mai TT to jail after saying she was not eligible for community services.

The court considered that the accused is a female offender who has two minor children. It’s a well-settled position that sentencing should be rational and fair.

The court takes cognisant that she didn’t benefit from the offence as the car was recovered. The court appreciates that the conviction already embarrasses her but a fine would trivialize the offence.

Community service would have been appropriate, but she has proven that she’s not eligible for community service. She is therefore sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, 6 months are suspended on condition that she doesn’t commit a similar offence in the next five years, and 6 months are effective.
For defaulting on 105 hours of community service 8 years ago, she will now serve three months in prison.