Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube, [email protected]
A 21-year-old woman from Bulawayo’s New Magwegwe suburb has been sentenced to nine months in prison for stealing property valued at approximately US$340 from her former employer on separate occasions.
Sithabile Nicole Ndlovu pleaded guilty to theft when she appeared before Magistrate Mr Maxwell Ncube in Bulawayo on Thursday.
She was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, with three months conditionally suspended for five years.
The remaining six months were suspended on the condition that she pays restitution for the stolen items and completes 175 hours of community service.
Prosecuting, Mehluli Ndlovu told the court that the offences occurred between May 30 and June 7, while Sithabile was employed by Rachel Ndidana as a domestic worker. During this period, she stole various items — including wigs and personal undergarments — before absconding.
Ndidana testified that she had employed Sithabile on May 30 to assist with household chores. However, the accused only worked for five days before disappearing without notice.
She later discovered a handwritten note in a kitchen drawer, left by Sithabile, which read:
“Sister Nakai, I don’t think I can do this anymore. Your son is a whole lot of work. If I clean, he messes the place up. I got another job in Gweru. I’m going.”
After reading the note, Ndidana became suspicious. Upon checking her belongings, she realised that several items were missing from her bedroom, including both her own and her son’s undergarments.
“I decided to go to work one day and wanted to put on my wig. When I checked the plastic bag where I kept them, it was gone. I tried calling Sithabile, but her phone was off,” she told the court.
In total, 23 wigs valued at US$340 were reported stolen. Following a police report filed by Ms Ndidana, Sithabile was arrested, and items worth US$240 were recovered.
