Zimpapers Logo

Plaxcedes Hove Court Reporter
A 30-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man who stole two cellphones while awaiting trial for another theft case has appeared in court. Sylvester Sifiso Moyo appeared before Western Commonage Magistrate Tancy Dube yesterday facing a charge of unlawful entry and theft. Moyo pleaded guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody to today for sentencing. Prosecuting, Kenneth Shava said Moyo committed the crime after being granted bail on another matter whose details were not given in court.

“Moyo was out of prison on bail for another unlawful entry and theft crime. He went out and committed a similar crime while his trial for the previous crime was still pending,” he said.
The court heard that on Sunday at around 7AM in Entumbane, Moyo gained entry into Clement Masina’s premises through an open door.

He then stole two phones — a Nokia Asher and a Samsung E250 — that were on the table and went away unnoticed. The value of the stolen mobile phones was put at $100 and nothing was recovered.

Moyo pleaded guilty to the charge and told the court that he initially went into Masina’s house with the intention of drinking water.
“Your Worship, I admit that I stole the two phones, I was simply following my heart. I intended to deprive complainant permanently of his phones. I was thirsty when I gained entry into  Masina’s house. I saw an open door and went in intending to drink water but when I saw the two mobile phones on the table, my heart told me to steal them and leave,” he said.

Magistrate Dube remanded him in custody saying the court had been lenient in the first case.

“The court was lenient and gave you a bail option on your first offence. You then go and commit a similar crime pending your trial. This shows that you have no remorse for what you did,” she said.