Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube.
A SLY thief swiped a wallet with $80 from a Great Flavors Ice Cream vendor and got caught red-handed.
Melvin Mthulisi Ndlovu (30) from Mzilikazi appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Vimbai Chirai, who ordered him to pay a fine of $150 by March 31. If he fails to pay, he will face three months in jail. Additionally, Ndlovu received a four-month prison sentence suspended for five years and another month suspended on the condition that he returns the stolen money by March 31.
State prosecutor Arnold Mudekunye revealed that on January 15 at around 3 PM, Ndlovu and his accomplice snatched the wallet from Kholwani Mpala.
Mpala discovered the theft after Ndlovu and his accomplices had fled, but he managed to catch one of them and called the police.
Mpala recounted that he was busy selling ice cream and helping customers when Ndlovu and his two friends approached him.
They began chatting with his customers, but moments later, they left, laughing. It was then that Mpala realised his wallet was missing.
He quickly pursued the thieves, caught one, and alerted the authorities, leading to their arrest.
The total value stolen was $80, and none of it was recovered.
