Detective puts thief behind bars
Through meticulous investigation, Detective Constable Ntsako Mashimbe of Kathlehong SAPS secured a seven-year jail sentence for a shoplifter who started stealing from retail stores and supermarkets in 2003.
On September 11, 2022, security personnel at a food store at the Sam Ntuli Shopping Centre in Katlehong noticed an African female, Sophia Mkhwanazi (58), exiting the shop carrying her handbag.
A search was conducted and in the bag was found 4 x 200g coffee containers valued at R559. The woman failed to produce a receipt for the items and the police were called.
She was taken to the Kathlehong Police Station where a docket was opened for further investigation.
The docket was assigned to Mshimbe. He found that the suspect was not a novice in stealing as she had several cases against her at places such as Dundee, Delmas, Mafikeng, Lenesia, Bushbackridge and Evaton.
She was found guilty of all her previous crimes.
On April 12, Mkhwanazi (now 58), was found guilty of theft by the Magistrate’s Court at Palm Ridge. She was sentenced to seven years of which two is suspended.
The station commander for SAPS Katlehong has applauded the conviction.
“Your hard work, commitment and the dedication you put into your investigation is shown by the sentencing.”
