An alleged shoplifting incident at a Pep Store in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, where a woman faked a pregnancy to slip out with her loot, is currently trending on Facebook gossip groups.

Images of the alleged shoplifter were shared on Mhluzi Gossip/Events and Party Newz, showing a homemade artificial pregnancy belly, which the shoplifter supposedly sported in her cunning and creative scheme.

The Facebook post further points out that the woman’s attempt at shoplifting backfired – backed up by the images that show staff members of the store holding the homemade prosthesis.

With the alleged shoplifter looking clearly dismayed by her capture, she managed to round up support from the public who echoed sentiments of sympathy, as well as labelling her methods ‘creative’.

The Middelburg Observer has sent a media enquiry to Pep Stores’ head office, to confirm when and at which branch the incident took place. No response was received by the time of publication.

• The woman cannot be identified by due to the absence of criminal charges and a court appearance.