By Patience Gondo
A BISHOPSTONE Farm truck driver on Wednesday 4 appeared before the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court facing a charge of stealing 27 litres of diesel valued at US$40 from his employer.
The accused, Vusimusi Sinyolo appeared before magistrate Gillian Padzakashamba.
Prosecutor Olivia Chomitinya, alleges the offence occurred on February 24 2026 at Bishopstone Farm.
Sinyolo, a senior driver at the farm, had gone to the fields with a junior employee, Tapiwanashe Mutyebere to conduct spraying duties using a truck with a full tank of diesel.
The court heard that while they were travelling to the fields, Mutyebere noticed that Sinyolo was carrying an empty 20 litre container.
When asked why he had the container, Sinyolo allegedly indicated that it was meant for mixing chemicals used during spraying.
Upon arrival at the fields, the State alleges that Sinyolo instructed Mutyebere to remain behind while he proceeded alone into the fields to carry out the spraying task.
Mutyebere told the court that when Sinyolo later returned, the empty container he had carried earlier was no longer in his possession.
This he said, made it apparent that the accused had siphoned diesel from the truck into the container.
Mutyebere further testified that he did not question Sinyolo about the missing container as he feared him, describing the accused as a violent person who could produce knives anywhere.
Sinyolo denied the charge before the court.
He told the court that he was not the one driving the truck on the day in question and claimed that Mutyebere had been the driver.
Magistrate Padzakashamba postponed the matter to March 5 for continuation of trial.