Prisoner begs magistrate to buy him bread, milk

Mncedisi Buhali Sunday News Reporter
ASK and it shall be given unto you.
This biblical verse rung true for a thief at a Bulawayo court last Friday when he begged the magistrate to buy him bread and milk.Brain Ngabwe, who has been in jail since 2011 after he was convicted for unlawful entry, appeared before Mrs Sibongile Msipa facing charges of theft.

“Madam it has been long without even seeing outside. I was wondering whether you can buy bread and milk for me; I just want to taste it,” Ngabwe said.

He added that, he was living with his grandmother, who could not bring him bread and milk.

Ngabwe was all smiles when Mrs Msipa responded by saying that she was actually going to buy bread and milk and give it to him.

He pleaded guilty to theft charges.

Ngabwe chose to be sentenced to 15 days in jail than pay the complainant, Witney Simango, $50.

“Madam as for $50, I do not have it so I choose to be sentenced to 15 days in prison,” he said.

Prosecuting, Mr Charles Danda, said on 20 April 2011 and at around 4am the complainant was approached by the accused person, while she was sitting at Golden Grill along Herbert Chitepo Street.

He said the accused searched her pockets and took a Samsung E250 cellphone and a jacket.

He added that the accused was then arrested by the complainant with assistance of members of the public at the scene of crime while his accomplice fled with the stolen property.

Mr Danda said of the total value, $60, nothing was recovered.