Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A BULAWAYO man learnt the hard way that “finders keepers…” doesn’t work in real life after he pocketed cash that didn’t belong to him, only to be busted by CCTV!
Clark Masuka (34) found himself sweating in the dock after he scooped up US$200 dropped by another customer inside Masters Hardware along Fife Street and decided to keep quiet about it.
Masuka appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Maxwell Ncube, who handed him eight months behind bars, sparing him the full stretch after suspending part of the sentence. He’ll spend 175 hours doing community service instead.
According to Prosecutor Mehluli Ndlovu, on 10 October around 2 PM. Khulekhani Moyo, was busy buying a drill bit and a cutting disc when his cash slipped from his hand on the way to the till.
Enter Masuka, the “Good Samaritan gone rogue,” who spotted the greenbacks, glanced around, and slipped them into his pocket. Unfortunately for him, Big Brother was watching.
CCTV cameras captured every sneaky move, and when the footage was reviewed, Masuka’s lucky find turned into a legal nightmare.
Police later recovered the full US$200, but by then, the damage was done.
In court, Masuka tried to plead for leniency, claiming temptation got the better of him. The magistrate was stone cold. “You knew it was not yours,” said Ncube, warning that honesty still counts even when no one is watching.
So now, instead of counting dollars, Masuka will be counting community service hours, proof that in Bulawayo, karma has 20/20 vision.
