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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
TWO Gwanda teenagers have each been ordered to pay a $400 fine after they broke into their employer’s shop and stole mining equipment worth $3 400.

Abednico Gwatipedza and Nqobani Moyo both aged 19 years broke into Leicester Steel Company in Gwanda which belongs to Mr Changai Wang and were arrested while trying to sell the stolen equipment.

Gwatipedza and Moyo were convicted on their own plea of guilty to unlawful entry and theft charges by Gwanda magistrate, Mr Obedience Matare.

They were each ordered to pay a $400 fine or sentenced to 12 months imprisonment in case of default.

An additional one month imprisonment was suspended on condition that they pay $85 restitution to Mr Wang by September 9.

“It’s disturbing that you are now involved in such serious crimes at such a young age. You want to reap where you didn’t sow and people like you deserve a deterrent sentence as you are a menace to society. If you want money you have to work for it,” he said.

Prosecuting, Mr Takudzwa Mafudze said the two teenagers committed the offence during the period extending from July to September 2.

He said they are both employed as salesmen by Mr Wang.

“On a date unknown but during the period extending from July to September 2, Gwatipedza and Moyo hatched a plan and derailed the sliding door to a storeroom at Leicester Steel Company in Gwanda in order to gain access.

“They stole mining equipment which comprised six jack hammers, 10 drill sticks, six beater shafts, two v-belts, three lubricators, two drill sticks, two valves, an engine bearing and an injector pump all valued at $3 397,” Mr Mafudze said.

He said Gwatipedza then approached Mr Kenneth Chidovi intending to sell the stolen property but he alerted Mr Wang.

Mr Mafudze said Gwatipedza was arrested and went on to implicate Moyo as his accomplice.

He said Gwatipedza and Moyo then led the police to West Nicholson area and Colleen Bawn where they had hidden the stolen property. Property worth $3 227 was recovered.

In mitigation, Gwatipedza and Moyo said they committed the offence in a bid to raise money. – @DubeMatutu