Woman steals from mum to feed ill child

Charity Chikara, Sunday News Reporter

A 24-year-old Makokoba woman appeared in court facing theft charges after she allegedly stole money and a cellphone from her mother in what she said was an attempt to feed her malnourished child.

Rachel Nyathi appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Mr Busano Sibanda last Tuesday facing theft charges after she stole US$150 and a cellphone from her mother, Punuki Nyathi. 

According to the prosecutor, Ms Portia Mashazhu, on 9 December last year, Racheal sneaked into the dining room at her mother’s house and stole the money and cellphone which were hidden underneath a sofa cushion. 

Her mother later discovered the theft and reported the matter to the police leading to Rachel’s arrest.

“On 9 December 2022, in Makokoba Bulawayo, Rachel Nyathi stole one Nokia cellphone and cash amounting to US$150 belonging to her mother, Punuki Nyathi which were hidden under the sofa cushion and stashed the money in her breasts and was seen by her younger sister, Amila Nyathi,” said Ms Mashazhu. 

In mitigation, Rachel revealed that she intended to buy food for her malnourished daughter who had been recently discharged from hospital. The money and phone were recovered.

crime

For the crime, Rachel was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment of which three months were suspended on condition that she does not commit a similar offence in the next five years with the remaining five months suspended for 210 hours of community service.