Charged for stealing street lights

LUCK ran out for one of the three suspected Crystal Methyl smokers arrested a fortnight ago
for stealing solar powered street lights in Chipadze, intending to rob pedestrians in the area
under the cover of darkness.
The three appeared at the Bindura Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday accused of stealing six by
600w (6x600w) street lights valued over US$500.
For state, Chipo Chinoda alleged that on an unknown specific date but during the period
extending from 1 to 2 January, Funny Musengi (22), Kelvin Chipiro (23) and Shadreck
Tazviringa (22) teamed up together during the night with the intention of stealing the street
lights.
The state confirmed that Musengi took advantage of being an ex-soldier and climbed the
poles using his trained tactics to reach where the lights were.
He dismantled the solar street lights and carefully threw them to Chipiro and Tazviringa, who
were acting as the look out.
Provincial Magistrate Florence Nago, sentenced Musengi and Chipiro to 16 months
imprisonment before suspending two months on good behaviour for the next five years.
Of the remaining 14 months, she suspended four months on condition that the two accused
persons restitute Stanley Kangore, the complainant representing Ward 5, Chipadze, with a
sum of ZWL$24 304.
Ten months were further suspended on condition that the accused persons perform 350hours
community service at the Bindura Criminal Court in 11 weeks.
Tazviringa was sentenced to 14 months behind bars, with four months suspended on
condition that he restitutes the complainant ZWL$24 304. Two months were further
suspended for good behaviour, meaning he will effectively serve eight months.