Adelaide Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
TWO men who stole groceries and money from a school tuck-shop in Jotsholo and blamed their actions on the “January Disease” have each been jailed for 24 months.
Lupane resident magistrate Ndumo Masuku convicted Msitheli Nkomo, 37, and Goodwill Sibanda, 25, both of Jotsholo, of unlawful entry and theft.
The duo had pleaded guilty to the crimes when they appeared in court for stealing groceries worth $350 and $70 in cash at Ngombane Primary School tuck-shop.
Sentencing the pair, the magistrate condemned their actions saying they should consider working hard to fend for their families rather than stealing, especially from a school.
“You chose to steal goods that someone worked hard to get. You must be punished for the offense. Our correctional services will teach you projects that can help so that you can feed your families,” Masuku said.
Nkomo and Sibanda will serve an effective 21 months each in jail after the magistrate suspended three months for five years on condition they don’t commit a similar offence within that period.
In mitigation, Nkomo said he stole to feed his family that was starving.
“The January Disease pushed me to break into the shop and steal because my family had nothing to eat. I don’t have a job and life has been tough for me and my family,” he said.
Sibanda claimed that he only assisted Nkomo to carry the loot.
“I didn’t steal but I only assisted my friend to carry the loot since he could not carry the goods by himself. He promised a share of the goods and I couldn’t resist since my family doesn’t have any food,” said Sibanda.