Son burgels mother’s house

A Rusape man has been sentenced to eight months in prison after being convicted of stealing household property worth USD340 from his own mother.­

Takudzwa Mpindu, 26, appeared before the Rusape Magistrates Court where he was found guilty of theft after entering his mother’s home using spare keys while she was away in Harare. The victim, a 59-year-old woman, discovered the crime when a neighbour alerted her that Mpindu was moving her belongings.

Following the report to the police, Mpindu was arrested and charged. During sentencing, the court handed him six months imprisonment, with two months suspended on the condition that he makes full restitution to his mother by 31 October 2025. In addition, a previously suspended four-month sentence from an earlier conviction was activated, bringing his effective jail term to eight months.

The case has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting growing concerns over domestic theft and the betrayal of trust within families. Legal experts say the court’s decision serves as a stern warning that familial ties do not exempt individuals from facing justice.

“The law treats theft seriously, regardless of the relationship between the parties involved,” said a legal analyst. “The courts are clear: financial crimes in the home are punishable and restitution is a key component of justice.”

Residents in Rusape have expressed disbelief at the incident, noting that cases of family members stealing from one another, though rare, often leave deep emotional scars.

Mpindu will serve his sentence at a local correctional facility, unless restitution is made before the stipulated deadline, in which case part of his sentence may remain suspended.