The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent
STEALING airtime worth $11 000 belonging to a Chipinge businessman earned a 24-year-old conductor 48 months behind bars.
Reason Masiiwa who was employed as a conductor by Matabuka Commuters was last Thursday convicted after incriminating evidence was laid against him by State witnesses.
Chipinge magistrate, Mr Poterai Gwezhira, presided over the case.
In sentencing him, Mr Gwezhira, said although Masiiwa denied committing the offence, the State had proved its case beyond any reasonable doubt.
Of the 48 months, Mr Gwezhira suspended 12 months on condition that Masiiwa would restitute $1 189 which was not recovered and another 12 months were also suspended on condition of good behaviour.
Prosecuting, Mr Gift Bikita, said on February 22 at around 2pm, the complainant, Susan Mapumisa, who is employed as a cashier at Wintok Investment gave Masiiwa a parcel at Chipinge Hotel to take it to Checheche Growth Point.
Mr Bikita said the parcel had airtime recharge cards worth $11 000.
“Mapumisa gave the recharge airtime cards to Masiiwa who introduced himself as the conductor of Matabuka Omnibus which plies the Checheche-Chipinge route.
“Mapamusa requested Masiiwa to drop the parcel at Winkton Investments at Checheche the same day to which Masiiwa agreed. He assured her that he would deliver the parcel that very day,” said Mr Bikita.
Mr Bikita said Masiiwa did not honour his promise of delivering the airtime recharge cards on the day in question and disappeared to an unknown destination. He started selling the airtime recharge cards.
“The following day Mapamisa realised that Masiiwa had not delivered the parcel. She tried to phone Masiiwa through his given mobile number, but it was not reachable,” he said
Mr Bikita said Mapamisa reported the matter to the police who started looking for Masiiwa.
“A tip-off was received by Constable Tana that Masiiwa was spotted at DaPlace Night Club at Checheche Growth Point.
“Constable Tana alerted Cst Tomba at ZRP Chisumbanje and a follow-up was made. Upon arrest at the night club, airtime recharge cards worth $2 800 were recovered from his pockets.
“After interrogations, Masiiwa revealed to Cst Tana that he had left the outstanding airtime recharge cards in Chiredzi.
“Airtime recharge cards worth $6 991 were recovered in Tshovane Township in Chiredzi.
“A total of $20 worth of airtime recharge cards were also recovered from Angeline Dzedze who operates a general dealer shop at Vheneka Business Centre,” said Mr Bikita.
