The ManicaPost
Chipinge Correspondent
A STEALING grocery worth $72 at a Chipinge supermarket landed a 24-year-old woman in trouble.
Rutendo Dube of Peg 53, Jopa, Chipinge appeared before Chipinge senior magistrate, Mr Noah Gwatidzo facing theft charges.
She pleaded guilty to the charge.
Asked by the magistrate why he stole the grocery, Dube said she wanted to pay her medical bills at Chipinge District Hospital.
“Your Worship, I wanted to permanently deprive TM Supermarket of its grocery. I beg the court to pass a lighter sentence because I am widow who is struggling to make ends meet. I am looking after three children.
“I stole the grocery because I want to resale it to raise $250 for my medical expenses at the hospital,” she said.
It was the State case that on March 4 at around 4pm and at TM Supermarket, Dube proceeded to the shelves and stole five Nevia men cream lotion, one Nevia irresistibly smooth cream lotion, 1X250ml Nevia intense moisture body cream lotion, 2X200g Johnson baby soap, one paracetamol syrup and 1X250ml Jonson’s baby jelly and put them in her bag.
Dube tried to escape from the supermarket without paying, but was stopped at the main door by security guards.
She was searched and the stolen goods were recovered in Dube’s bag.
She was asked to produce receipts for the grocery in her bag, but failed.
The value of the stolen grocery was $72 and all was recovered.
Dube was remanded out of custody. She was expected to be sentenced on Wednesday afternoon.
Mr Edith Phiri prosecuted.
