Thembi Mbatha, a 41-year-old woman from Krugersdorp West was sentenced to three years in prison for shoplifting at a store in Key West Shopping Centre. She was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Krugersdorp Police spokesperson Captain Raymond Sebonyae said Mbatha was convicted and sentenced in the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court on April 1.

Also read: Repeat offender gets three-year sentence for shoplifting

He explained that at about 12:30 on Wednesday, March 16, police received a complaint of theft in one of the stores at the shopping centre.

“At the store the manager informed the police that they had apprehended a woman for shoplifting. It is alleged that the unknown woman came to the store with some clothes and said she wanted a refund in exchange for the items.

The store manager checked the receipt, noticed that it was from a Boksburg store and she refused to refund the woman. Furthermore the manager noticed that the items were not from the Boksburg store but from her store. The total value of the men’s underwear and girls clothing was R599,90.”

A case of shoplifting was opened and the woman was detained in the police cells.

The docket was investigated by detective Sergeant Sebokwana Maenetja, and through his investigation, he found out that Mbatha was a repeat offender, and he ensured a conviction.

Krugersdorp Police station commander Brigadier Happy Xaba applauded all for a job well done and the successful sentencing.

Members of public are encouraged to report any suspicious activities by contacting their nearest police station or calling the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or use the SMS number 32211 and remain anonymous.