A 44-year-old woman, Sibongile Mokoena, was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment in the Belfast Regional Court last week Thursday, following her conviction for theft.

The Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, said the sentencing follows a theft case reported to the Belfast police in 2020.

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“It was alleged that Mokoena, then 39 years old and employed as a cashier at a funeral parlour, had stolen money paid in by clients for funeral cover policies. The theft reportedly occurred over a period of several months and amounted to a total of R264 290.”

An investigation was launched, which led to Mokoena’s arrest on July 24, 2020. She appeared in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court and was released on R5 000 bail.

On Thursday, the Belfast Regional Court sentenced Mokoena to six years’ imprisonment, of which three years are suspended for five years, on the condition that she is not convicted of theft or fraud during the suspension period.
Ndubane said in terms of Section 103(1) of Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, the accused is deemed unfit to possess a firearm.

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The acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the sentence and emphasised that employment must be respected, as it provides for families. He added that violating that trust must have consequences.