Donkey thieves from Plumtree have been sentenced to a combined 12 years in prison after being convicted of theft, a crime that has been steadily rising in rural areas across Zimbabwe, threatening the livelihoods of many small-scale farmers and villagers.
The convicted individuals—Butholezwe Ngwenya (48), Handsome Sibanda (25), and Batmile Ndebele (31)—stood before Magistrate Joshua Nembaware at the Plumtree Magistrates’ Court. They all pleaded guilty to charges of stealing eight donkeys from communal grazing lands. In delivering his judgment, Magistrate Nembaware handed down a four-year prison sentence to each of the men, suspending one year on the condition that they do not commit a similar offense within the next five years. This brings the effective prison term to three years for each, totaling nine years behind bars collectively.
According to court documents and the testimony heard during the proceedings, the donkey theft took place in March when the three men worked together to locate and drive away the donkeys from open pastures, where they were freely grazing. They targeted the animals under the cover of early morning hours when owners were not present. After rounding them up, they divided the donkeys among themselves and led them to their individual homes with the intent of either using or selling them.
The theft was soon discovered by the rightful owner, who noticed the absence of the animals during a routine check of his livestock. Upon realizing that the donkeys were missing, he filed a report with the local police. Law enforcement launched an immediate investigation, which resulted in the recovery of the stolen donkeys from different locations associated with the accused.
The donkeys had been previously marked by their owner using traditional livestock identification methods, which helped police and prosecutors confirm ownership. These marks served as crucial evidence in linking the suspects to the stolen animals and ultimately secured a guilty plea from the trio.
Donkey Theft Trio Sentenced to 12 Years in Jail in Plumtree
State prosecutor Selestine Madziwa, who led the prosecution, stressed that livestock theft—especially donkey theft—has become a growing challenge in rural communities where animals play an essential role in transportation, farming, and everyday life. She noted that donkeys, though often overlooked in broader livestock discussions, are vital to many households, particularly in underdeveloped areas where alternatives are limited or nonexistent.
“Stealing a donkey is not just the theft of property—it’s the theft of someone’s livelihood,” said Madziwa. “In many of these communities, these animals are the primary means of transport, labor for farming, and income generation. Losing them is equivalent to losing a vehicle or farm equipment.”
Magistrate Nembaware echoed this sentiment during sentencing, noting that livestock theft—particularly donkey theft—poses a serious threat to food security and economic stability in rural Zimbabwe. He said that stiff penalties are necessary to deter similar crimes and send a message that such actions will not be tolerated.
Authorities have urged villagers and livestock owners to remain vigilant and to regularly inspect their animals. They also encouraged the use of clear and tamper-proof identification methods, such as branding or tagging, to make it easier to recover stolen livestock and prosecute offenders.
This case adds to a growing number of donkey theft incidents reported across Matabeleland South and other rural regions in recent months. Police have reaffirmed their commitment to combating livestock-related crimes and emphasized the importance of community involvement in reporting suspicious behavior.
As rural communities continue to rely on donkeys for daily survival, the justice system has made it clear that crimes involving these animals will be treated with the seriousness they deserve. The sentencing of the Plumtree trio is being seen as a stern warning to potential offenders and a step forward in protecting the assets and dignity of Zimbabwe’s rural populations.
Source- Bulawayo24
