Tatenda Dhliwayo (20) from Mabhoko village in Chipinge has been sentenced to prison after being convicted on two counts of stock theft. The Chipinge Magistrates’ Court handed down the verdict following Dhliwayo’s arrest for stealing cattle, goats, and a pig.
According to court records, on October 10, 2024, the 63-year-old complainant secured six cattle in a kraal. That night, Dhliwayo allegedly unpenned the kraal and stole all six cattle without being noticed. On the same night, he also stole 20 goats and one pig from another pen and fled with the animals.
The theft was discovered the next day, prompting the complainant to organize a group of villagers to track the suspect. They traced Dhliwayo’s movements and apprehended him near Mwanyisa Business Centre along with the stolen animals.
Police were alerted, and the stolen livestock—valued at ZAR 30,000 for the cattle and ZAR 10,700 for the goats and pig—was recovered.
Dhliwayo was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the first count, with one year suspended for five years, leaving him to serve nine years effectively. For the second count, he received 24 months imprisonment, with six months suspended for five years, meaning he will serve 18 months. Both sentences will run concurrently.
