Numerous cases of theft and fraud were heard in the local District Court over the past week. Two cases that recently appeared were that of a 17-year-old schoolboy charged with possession of dagga and a 58-year-old woman charged with theft.
The boy, who is apparently a grade-seven pupil, appeared on charges of possession of dagga on Friday. State prosecutor, Mr Oupa Ndlovu stated the accused had a good family-support structure and the state did not oppose bail even though this was the boy’s second offence.
The accused, who cannot be named because he is a minor, said in court he intended to plead guilty to the charge. Magistrate, Ms Christa du Plessis, told the accused she did not want to see him again for any more offences and urged him to turn his life around.
Du Plessis said he had one last chance and granted him bail of R300. The case was postponed to April 25.
In another case, a Nelspruit resident, Ms Magrieta Petronella Gouws, appeared on two charges of theft. Of these, one amounts to R10 000 and the other to R20 000.
Gouws was released from police custody on a warning. Her case was postponed until April 30.
Capt Dawie Pretorius, spokesman for Nelspruit police, said they had recently seen an increase in cases of theft and fraud in town.
