POLOKWANE – A 32-year-old woman was found guilty of shoplifting and sentenced to five years in prison by the Polokwane Regional Court last Friday.
Thandeka Mkhize was arrested on 14 March for shoplifting goods to the value of R4 000 from a chain store in the central business district.
Capt Ntobeng Phala, Polokwane police spokesperson, said the police will not allow the city’s economy to go down because of shoplifting.
“We will defend our economy as law enforcement officials by arresting those who are guilty and making sure they are convicted,” Phala said.
According to Phala the police are making profiles of shoplifters, which will be used to appose bail applications in court.
“Shoplifters used to pay an admission of guilt fine, but now we will use their profile as proof in court that they do not have remorse for their actions, because they repeat the same offence,” Phala said.
