McKeed Kotlolo

McKeed Kotlolo

A 23-year-old Mpumalanga man was this week sentenced to three months' imprisonment with the option of a R1500 fine for the theft of condoms from a chainstore.

Magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi sentenced Ben Nkosi, of Selobela township in Carolina, in the Carolina magistrate's court yesterday. By late yesterday, Nkosi had not yet paid the fine.

Nkosi was arrested at the U-Save Shoprite in Carolina on Tuesday afternoon.

Carolina police spokesman Constable Kedibone Mahloko said the man was arrested by security officers at the store as he was leaving the shop without having paid for two packs of condoms hidden in his pocket.

Each pack contains three condoms and costs R6,99, a pittance compared to the fine of R1 500.

Nkosi reportedly took a chicken braai pack, a chocolate bar and two packs of condoms off the shelves.

But the store's security officer, Jabulani Mhlongo, said he did'nt pay for the condoms.

Mhlongo said Nkosi then placed the chocolate and braai pack in the shopping basket and "pocketed the two packs of Lovers Plus Condoms".

At the till, he only paid for the braai pack and the chocolate.

Mhlongo said Nkosi was not aware that security officers at the store had spotted him pocketing the condoms.

"As he approached the exit we stopped him and searched him. The two packs were found in his pocket," he said.

Nkosi allegedly told the guards that it was not his intention to steal but he was just tempted.