Two men sentenced to prison for stealing a washing machine

By Bahle Gama

Two men have been sentenced to two years in prison respectively for stealing a washing machine at Mlalatini College.

The accused persons, Phinda Nxumalo (30) of the Gundwini area and Philisande Mpungose (27) of Fontein were arrested and charged with theft after they stole a silver grey 15kg Defy washing machine valued at E7 000 from the college in Ezulwini.

It was reportedly in the lawful possession of Babazile Nsibandze. Appearing before Magistrate Temanimandze Shongwe, they each opted to conduct their own defence and further pleaded guilty to the offence.

The crown told the court that the machine had been recovered as notified by the complainant. During mitigation, each of the accused persons pleaded for leniency and told the court that committing the offence had been a mistake which neither would repeat in future, adding that they were also, first-time offenders.

Magistrate Shongwe sentenced them to a year in prison with an option of a fine of E1 800 each. Their right to appeal was further explained to the two men.