A 24-year-old man from Ntabazinduna has been arraigned before the courts facing a charge of theft after he allegedly stripped four of his employer’s trucks of wiring cables valued at more than US$8000.
Mbekezeli Sokhela pleaded not guilty before Bulawayo magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe. Chikwekwe remanded Sokhela in custody until July 1, 2024, for trial.
According to the State papers, the incident occurred in May last year, when Sokhela stole wiring cables from Dabulamanzi Ndoda at his house in the Mahatshula suburb. Ndoda claims he witnessed Sokhela stealing the cables in the early hours of the morning after being awakened by his neighbour’s dogs barking profusely outside.
“On May 25, 2023, at around 4 AM, at Ndoda’s house in Mahatshula, Sokhela stole wiring cables from four trucks which were parked in the yard. The cables contained copper,” the statement read.
“Sokhela was seen by Ndoda in action after being awakened by the neighbour’s dogs barking. Sokhela fled the scene, outpacing Ndoda. The total value stolen is US$8,793.”
