AN employee working for a Bredell liquor store was fined R1 500 for stealing liquor from the shop.
Andile Mhlanga (29) was found guilty of stealing alcohol valued at R709.69 and was in Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on July 4.
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“The accused stole a variety of products in April, including bottles of vodka. He tried to hide it at a friend’s house. The friend works at the same shopping complex in Bredell as the accused,” Kempton police spokesperson, Capt Jethro Mtshali, explained.
However, Mhlanga’s plan did not work out as a security officer at the complex noticed him holding something and informed the shop’s manager who viewed CCTV footage. The footage showed Mhlanga taking the alcohol and exiting the shop.
“Mhlanga was questioned and later his friend confirmed the accused asked him to keep the liquor for him. He testified he was not aware the bottles were stolen.”
Police officers were called to the scene and all the stolen bottles were recovered. Mhlanga was arrested on the spot.
“After a marathon trial, playing delaying tactics, the accused eventually decided to plead guilty. The case was investigated by one of the station’s dedicated officers, D/Sgt Welcome Shabalala.”
