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Sukulwenkosi Dube, Plumtree Correspondent
A 20-YEAR-OLD Plumtree man broke into his mother’s house and stole groceries worth $130 and hid the loot at his girlfriend’s house.
Tinashe Johanasi of George Silundika who was convicted of unlawful entry and theft, was sentenced to 12 months in prison by Plumtree magistrate, Gideon Ruvetsa.

Ruvetsa will however serve an effective nine months in prison after three months of the sentence were suspended on condition he does not within the next five years commit a similar offence.

Prosecuting, Jane Phiri said Johanasi stole from his mother, Charity Johanasi, 42, on December 22 last year.

She said Johanasi who stays at his girlfriend’s house broke into the complainant’s homestead while she was away on holiday.

Phiri said on December 22 in the absence of the complainant Johanasi broke the main door of the house and gained entry.

She said Johanasi proceeded to the bedroom where his mother had stored some grocery items.

Johanasi stole items that include cooking oil, powdered milk, rice, macaroni, mayonnaise, bulbs and skin cream.

Phiri said Johanasi also stole some clothing items which comprised pants, shoes, shirts, and some pairs of trousers.

She said Johanasi took some of the stolen goods and hid them at his girlfriend’s house and took the rest to his friend who runs a tuckshop.
The complainant, upon her return, discovered the theft and reported to the police, leading to Johanasi’s arrest.

Only property worth $14 was recovered.

In his mitigation Johanasi said he stole from his mother in a bid to raise money as he was unemployed.

“My mother chased me out of the house knowing that I’m not working.

“She’s my mother and therefore she has to provide for me but she chose not to.

“I was desperate Your Worship and I had to find a way of making money. This is why I stole from the complainant,” he said.