Duo jailed for stealing from tourist
By Staff Reporter
Two Mvuma men have been handed jail sentences after they were convicted for stealing cash and a laptop from a Canadian tourist.
Bornface Sibanda (36) and Vavarirai Mark (29) were arraigned before the Magistrates’ Court in Mvuma on 1 March 2024 facing a charge of unlawful entry.
According to NPA, sometime in February last year, the two went to a private residence in Mvuma where the tourist, Kevin Paul Blackie, a Canadian tourist was camped.
“They went through his campsite and tore his tent before stealing his briefcase containing a laptop, USD2100 in cash, 1000 Canadian dollars, ZAR1000 in cash, and two Canadian passports.
“A police report was made leading to the accused persons’ arrest. The laptop, USD770 530 Canadian dollars, and the two passports were recovered,” NPA said in a statement.
The pair was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, with 6 months suspended for 5 years on the condition that they do not commit a similar offence.
An additional 6 months was suspended on condition that restitution is made to the complainant.
Each accused person must pay US$665 and R500 by 31 May 2024.