Jabulani Nhlapho (40) pleaded guilty to a charge of theft and was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.

On March 29, Nhlapho entered a Pep store, took a pair of socks worth R59.99 and attempted to walk out without paying.

He was noticed by security and tried to flee when they stopped him. He then subsequently threw the socks under a car and was caught.

Nhlapho appeared in court and was granted bail.

He pleaded guilty and asked the court to show leniency during sentencing, stating that he was remorseful and he has children he needs to care for. However, the state argued that Nhlapho was not a first-time offender.

Nhlapho was convicted on two counts of theft in 2015 and 2019. He was sentenced to 90 days’ imprisonment for the 2019 charge.

The defence argued that he should not be punished for his previous convictions because he had already been sentenced for them.

The state said the court should not mind the value of the stolen items, but take into account how crimes like these affect the community, as most people work in retail, and the theft of goods may lead to stores losing money, and people losing jobs.
The prosecutor further added that Nhlapho was driven purely by greed, because why would someone who is employed steal socks?

Magistrate Mkhabela in her sentencing said, “ You look like someone who cannot be rehabilitated outside of prison, judging from your previous convictions. You have clearly shown you cannot keep your hands in your pockets.”
She further asked what example Nhlapho is setting for his children, since he was asking for a wholly suspended sentence so he can care for them.

Nhlapho was then handed a 90-day direct imprisonment sentence and was immediately taken into custody.