A BEATRICE man who sneaked into a house while the occupant was fast asleep and stole a handbag and a cellphone was last week jailed for eight months. The stolen property was valued at US$84 and all was recovered.

Andrew Kusaya (21) of Plot 26 Plumstead Farm in Beatrice admitted to unlawful entry and theft charges when he appeared before Chitungwiza magistrate Ms Rumbidzai Mugwagwa. Ms Mugwagwa sentenced him to one year in prison, but conditionally set aside four months for the next five years.

Kusaya, who was employed at the same farm as a general hand, on December 2, went to Tawonga Munanga (41)'s place of residence at around 5am. On arrival, he pushed the bedroom door open and sneaked inside while Munanga was fast asleep.

He took a handbag containing US$4 and a Nokia C1 cellphone but was unfortunate to be noticed when she woke up and saw him exiting. Munanga screamed for help but to no avail as Kusaya escaped.

After the escape, she reported the matter to the police, leading to his arrest. Ms Tafadzwa Makwande prosecuted.