The Voice (Francistown)
Francinah Baaitse
20 May 2008
Francistown — Dj NBA got flogged on his bare buttocks on Monday for stealing a pair of corduroy pants.
After spending two nights in police cells, the Bulawayo-born Club Dj, whose full names are Richard Msitheli Nyoni, 27, was charged with common theft at Bontleng customary court (Mosetlha) by Kgosi Isaac Monametsi.
Ideal Fashions at River Walk mall, handed him over to the Urban Police, Gaborone, on the 10th May, after he was red handedly caught with the stolen property.
As Nyoni walked out of ideals that Saturday, a shop assistant, who suspected he had stolen something from the shop due to his bulgy pants, informed her boss. The senior staff member then followed him out and led him back into the shop where he was searched.
It was then that the Dj removed a pair of beige trousers valued at P280. The same trouser was brought before court as an exhibit and was given back to the owner, Ideal Fashions, immediately after the judgment.
In mitigation, Nyoni told the court that he is a guardian to his two sisters. As a first offender, Kgosi Monametsi gave him a lighter sentence and gave him four strokes on the bare buttocks.
In an interview outside the court, Nyoni said his acts had nothing to do with inflation and political situation back in his home country, Zimbabwe. "I've been in Botswana since 2004. Even though I am not working and suffering as a result, it has nothing to do with the situation at home."
Nonetheless, he asserted that the most difficulties Zimbabweans face in this country is processing their work permits. "It becomes difficult to get a new job hence you have to live on hand-outs when you have no formal employment. Things are also very expensive nowadays."
He cannot just go home either as no job is waiting for him there. "Things are difficult back there and besides I am still trying to renew my work permit which expired last year."
As a Dj, he said he has to be seen wearing better clothes and top labels.
He blames other colleagues behind the disc (Djs) for his problems saying they are selfish and too self-centered to assist a colleague during hard times. "Dj Colastro is the only one who sometimes assists me, but you see it is hard because he is in the Ghetto and I am in Gabs."
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