Mvuma duo jailed for robbing tourist

Two Mvuma men, Bornface Sibanda (36) and Vavarirai Mark (29), have been sentenced to 24 months in prison for robbing a Canadian tourist, Kevin Paul Blackie, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has said.

The NPA stated that the incident occurred sometime in February 2023. Sibanda and Mark allegedly entered Blackie’s campsite while he was camped at a private residence in Mvuma. They vandalised his campsite, tore his tent, and stole a briefcase containing valuables. The briefcase reportedly contained a laptop, US$2100 in cash, 1000 Canadian dollars, ZAR1000 in cash, and two Canadian passports.

Blackie reported the crime to the police, leading to the arrest of Sibanda and Mark. Authorities were able to recover the stolen passports, some of the cash (US$770 and CA$530), and the laptop.

Sibanda and Mark appeared before the Mvuma Magistrates’ Court facing unlawful entry charges. The NPA details that they were sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with the following breakdown of suspended sentences:

6 months suspended for 5 years on condition of good behavior (no similar offenses committed)
An additional 6 months suspended on the condition that they return stolen items to the victim (restitution)

The restitution amount is set at US$665 and R500 each, with a deadline of May 31, 2024 for repayment.