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Danisa Masuku
A DEPUTY chef at Bulawayo Polytechnic College who was facing charges of stealing food items from the college heaved a sigh of relief when she was given the option of paying a US$50 fine and a wholly suspended three months in jail.
Thandiwe Siyakaka (41) appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ernest Muzembi facing a theft charge.
She pleaded guilty and was fined US$50, payable by 15 March. If she fails to pay, she will face 30 days in jail.
The three months were suspended on condition that she does not commit a similar offence within a period of three years.
During mitigation, she expressed remorse for her actions.
In coming up with the sentence, the magistrate acknowledged that Siyakaka was a first-time offender who co-operated by pleading guilty, saving the court time.
The magistrate also considered the recovery of all stolen groceries as a mitigating factor, ultimately resulting in a lenient sentence.
The court heard that a college security guard witnessed a college staffer loading groceries, including 10kg of rice, 1kg of chunks and 2 litres of cooking oil, into his car. The staffer then delivered the groceries at Siyakaka’s home.
The court further heard that Siyakaka was apprehended while receiving the stolen goods, leading to her arrest and subsequent appearance in court.
Online Reporter