Bame Piet
21 April 2008
Village Magistrate, Olivier Zvedi, has sentenced Machael Mezeke (24) to six years' imprisonment for shop break-in and theft.
Mezeke, Fredericks Dintwa, Thabo Kealeboga and Never Motlhabankwe broke into Odipeca shop in Mogoditshane and stole T-shirts, tracksuits and other clothes valued at P43,000 last October. Some of the goods have been recovered.
Mezeke pleaded guilty to the charge while his co-accused did not. Magistrate Zvide said that she has shown remorse by pleading to the charge and the court had considered his personal circumstances before reaching the sentence. She said that in mitigation, Mezeke said that he was married with a child and his family needed his guidance.
The small-scale entrepreneur has been convicted three times - in 2001, 2002, and 2006 - because of dishonest behaviour. Zvide said that the charge he is facing was a serious one especially looking at the value of the stolen property. She said it is the court's duty to remove the likes of Mezeke from society so that other people's goods can be secure.
She sentenced him to six years' imprisonment. Three years of the sentence have been suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during the period. In addition, he is to receive four strokes on bare buttocks.
He was advised to appeal to the High Court if he was not satisfied with the sentence. Meanwhile, a warrant of arrest has been issued against Dintwa. Kealeboga and Motlhabankwe who appeared restless told the court that they have not been furnished with the statement from the investigating officer. They requested that the trial dates of May 28, and 29 should not be changed. The prosecutor, Inspector Moemedi Mhaladi promised to furnish them with the statement at the end of court session.
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