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Michelle Gwizi, Chronicle Reporter
A PUMULA East man has appeared in court for allegedly stealing a dog and a lawnmower from his employer who had been admitted to hospital.

Mncedisi Sibanda (27) appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Adelaide Mbeure who remanded him out of custody on $50 bail to December 29 for the commencement of trial.

Sibanda pleaded not guilty to a theft charge.

Allegations against Sibanda are that sometime between September last year and September this year in Kumalo suburb, he stole a lawnmower, an umbrella, slippers and a dog that had been left in his custody.

After the theft, he allegedly left his workplace without informing his employer.

Mr Nkathazo Dlodlo, for the State said Sibanda resides in Pumula East and was employed at Mr Naison Msebele’s house in Kumalo.

“Sometime between September 2017 and September 2018, Sibanda stole from Mr Naison Msebele (75). He allegedly stole a lawn mower worth $3 000, umbrella $10, slippers $75 and Msebele’s dog worth $600,” he said.

The prosecutor said the theft occurred when Mr Msebele was in South Africa for treatment.

“When Mr Msebele came back from the hospital that’s when he noticed that some of his property was missing,” said Mr Dlodlo.

Mr Msebele testified in court.

He told the court that the only person who was in charge of the missing things while he was away from home was Sibanda.

“I was in hospital and all he chose to do was steal from me. I made a report to the police because l left my things in his custody,” said Mr Msebele.

The court heard that while Mr Msebele was still in South Africa Sibanda left his job without notifying his employer that he was leaving.

The dog and property that was stolen is worth $3 685 and nothing was recovered.

—@gwizi_n