Sukoluhle Ndlovu
Thou shall not steal!
A 51-year-old Gweru man learnt the hard way when he was fined $50 for stealing three packs of condoms worth U$10,80 from Pick n Pay Supermarket on Valentinea��s Eve, probably in anticipation of increased sales to lovers.
Wilfred Chivururwi of Mkoba 13 in Gweru allegedly stole condoms to increase his stock because he earns a living through selling them.
a�?Your worship, I had no intention to steal, I was only following my colleague to get the money to pay for the condoms,a�? he said remorsefully.
Prosecuting, Lloyd Mavhisa told the court that on February 13 at Pick n Pay Supermarket, Chivururwi entered the shop and went straight to the kiosk where he was given three packs of Durex condoms for him to pay at the till point.
He then put the three packs of condoms in his trousers pocket and walked out of the shop without paying for them.
Tawanda Ndukwana who was watching Chivuruwi on the CCTV spotted him.
He then apprehended Chivuruwi outside the shop and a search led to the condoms being found with no proof of payment.
The matter was reported to the police leading to Chivururwia��s arrest.
The value of the condoms stolen was $10,80.
In passing sentence, Gweru magistrate Judith Taruvinga said shoplifting was not expected from him as an elderly man.
a�?What you stole is in your circle of business and Ia��m tempted to think that you stole the stock to increase your profits,a�? she said.
Magistrate Taruvinga told Chivururwi to pay a fine of $50 and in default of such payment he would spend 10 days in prison.



