A Beitbridge tailor who turned a stockthief after his makeshift shop was closed by the Municipality of Beitbridge will spent the next 27 years in jail for stealing 15 cattle from three farmers.
The term, similar to the price South African statesman Nelson Mandela paid for the freedom of his country, was arrived at after Life Sibanda was sentenced to nine years for each of his three counts.
Sibanda (41), of Jacha Village, Tshapfuche in Beitbridge, showed no remorse and Magistrate Vavariro Gavi said his sentences will run consecutively meaning they will be in series.
Agreed facts were that on September 28 this year Sibanda was intercepted by Jacob Mbedzi at Chicago village while driving 15 head of cattle whose origins he failed to explain.
It was however established that Sibanda came across the 15 beasts belonging to Thoriso Moyo (60), Matodzi Mbedzi (77) and Maritha Mbedzi (59) that were wandering around Malala Dip Tank and decided to steal them.
He then drove them towards his home village and continued until Jacob Mbedzi sae him but recognized the cattle brands.
Asked why he stole the cattle, Sibanda said he was frustrated after Beitbridge Municipality closed his makeshift tailor shop was forcibly closed for non compliance to the town's by-laws and standards.
Tawanda Chigavazira prosecuted.
