A man from Masvingo who stole 1,600 metres of barbed wire from High Court Judge Justice Sunsley Zisengwe’s rural property shocked the court when he claimed he was “too busy” to return it, even after the judge tried to settle the matter privately without involving the police.
Stephen Mapotere (32), of Village 18D in Mushandike Resettlement Area under Chief Charumbira, used the stolen wire to fence off his homestead and pigsty, leaving only 20 metres unused.
He appeared before Masvingo Magistrate Caroline Tafira Nyoni, facing theft charges.
On Tuesday, Mapotere was found guilty and fined US$400. He was also ordered to pay Justice Zisengwe US$180 in restitution by 18 August 2025, or face a one-month jail sentence.
Justice Zisengwe discovered the theft on 28 June 2025 during a visit to his homestead in Chief Bere’s area. He alerted the village head, who spread word of the missing barbed wire.
After villagers tipped off the judge, he confronted Mapotere on 9 July in the presence of several village heads. Showing leniency, the judge only asked for the return of the wire.
However, Mapotere allegedly responded days later, telling the judge he was too occupied with casual work to return the fence.
Justice Zisengwe then reported the matter to the police. Detectives recovered 20 metres of barbed wire hidden in Mapotere’s home, which was presented in court as evidence.
More: Masvingo Mirror
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