A Murehwa man, who stole three service bicycles and a blanket from police officers at Victoria Falls police camp on separate occasions, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison.
Innocent Marimo of Chikupo village, under Chief Mangwende, was convicted on his own plea of guilty to four counts of unlawful entry and theft when he appeared before Victoria Falls resident magistrate Sharon Rosemani yesterday.
However, eight months of his sentence were suspended on condition of good behaviour. In mitigation, Marimo said he was orphaned and was unable to continue with his education. As a result, he was finding it difficult to secure employment and had turned to crime for survival. But, the court slapped him with a custodial sentence saying he had not exhibited remorse and had a high disregard for authority.
“He did not show remorse for his actions. Taking into consideration the aggravating factors, I find that a non-custodial sentence would not meet the needs of justice.
“Whilst I appreciate that he is a young first offender, the way he committed the crimes shows a disregard for the law and strong criminal tendencies which cannot be corrected by payment of a fine or community service. Therefore imprisonment is given as sentence with a part suspended to keep him in check,” said Rosemani. Charges against Marimo were that between May 10 and December 17 last year, he was in Victoria Falls where he went on a housebreaking spree targeting homes of police officers at Victoria Falls Police Station.
On the first count, Marimo broke into detective Onias Nyathi’s house at night, stole a mountain bike worth $100 and went away unnoticed. Later, Marimo broke into yet another police officer’s house and stole another bicycle.
On December 17, Marimo broke into two police officers’ homes and stole a bicycle, jacket and a blanket. Marimo was later flushed out of his hideout near Victoria Falls Gorge Six by a team of anti-poaching guards on night patrol. He was handed over to the police, leading to the recovery of all stolen property valued at $303.
