A 27-year-old man who tried to steal two pairs of trousers was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court.
Captain Raymond Sebonyane from the Krugersdorp Police’s corporate communications said in a statement that Elliot Mothlabane from Bram Fischer Phase 2 was convicted and sentenced for the crime he committed last December. He was sentenced to three years in prison on July 7, but one year has been suspended on condition he does not shoplift again for five years.
Sebonyane explained that the police received a call about theft at a shop on the corner of Market and Pretoria Streets on December 24 at about 16:40.
“The shop manager informed Sergeant Lucky Mabaso that she apprehended a man for shoplifting.”
Mothlabane left the shop with two pairs trousers without paying for them. The manager stopped him and a male colleague then searched him, and the pairs of trousers were found in his possession.
“The total value of both trousers was R459,95.”
A case of shoplifting was opened and detective Sergeant Twanano Shivambu investigated the case while Mothlabane was held at the Krugersdorp Police cells.
The investigation revealed that he was a repeat offender and had used different names every time he was arrested.
“Sergeant Shivambu made sure that the accused got the conviction.”
The Krugersdorp Police acting Station Commander, Colonel Christelle Booysen was pleased with the good work the members did, and that Mothlabane was convicted and sentenced. She also warned that crime is crime, and there are no excuses for committing crime.
The police encouraged the public to continue reporting any suspicious activities by contacting their nearest police station, or calling the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or communicating the information via the My SAPS app or SMS number on 32211 and remain anonymous.
