By Ropafadzo Mangome
A 47-year-old man from Zvishavane has been sentenced to an effective 14 months in prison after being convicted of stealing and selling six donkeys, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said on Monday.
Vengai Imbwanhema was jailed by the Zvishavane Magistrates’ Court after he was found guilty of stealing the donkeys from grazing lands in Taruvinga Village, under Chief Mazvihwa, in September 2025.
According to the NPAZ, Imbwanhema stole the animals while they were grazing before selling them.
“Following a tip-off, the victim tracked three of the donkeys to a homestead in the same area. Upon arrival, he discovered the donkeys’ earmarks used for stock identification had been altered on the lower side of the right ears,” the NPAZ said.
The occupant of the homestead claimed to have bought the animals from Imbwanhema.
The victim managed to recover three of the stolen donkeys and reported the matter to the police, leading to Imbwanhema’s arrest.
The court initially sentenced Imbwanhema to 24 months’ imprisonment. Four months were suspended on condition of good behaviour, while a further six months were suspended on condition that he compensates the complainant, leaving him to serve an effective 14 months in jail.
The NPAZ warned that stock theft remains a serious offence and said offenders will continue to be prosecuted to protect communities whose livelihoods depend on livestock.
