A 24-year-old man was sentenced to an effective nine years in prison this week after the Chivhu Magistrates’ Court convicted him of stock theft for stealing a US$900 ox from grazing lands while its owner was away attending a church meeting.
Farai Nzuwa, 24, of Plot 65 Chivake, appeared before the Chivhu Magistrates’ Court facing a charge of stock theft.
The court heard that on August 29, 2026, the complainant, Judith Muhwiridzwa, 39, of Plot 64 Chivake, left home to attend a church camp meeting in Chivhu.
During her absence, Nzuwa took her brown, hornless ox from the local grazing lands.
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The theft came to light on August 30, 2026, when Muhwiridzwa returned home and was informed by neighbours that her ox was missing.
A search was conducted by local residents, but the animal could not be found.
Police investigations led to Nzuwa’s interception on August 31, 2026, while he was attempting to sell the stolen ox.
The animal, valued at US$900, was recovered and produced in court as an exhibit.
Following his conviction, the court sentenced Nzuwa to an effective nine years in prison.
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