A Ha Motanyane man who vandalised a Vodacom Base Technical Station in Mafeteng and stole two batteries worth M8 000 says he was desperate to feed his starving family.
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May 15, 2021
STAFF REPORTER
2 min read
Battery thief desperate to feed family
The Maseru Magistrate's Court
The unemployed Tšella Mpale said he bought food with the money he made from selling the stolen merchandise.
The Mafeteng Magistrate’s Court on Friday slapped Mpale, 32, with a two-year jail term after he was found guilty of common theft.
He was also ordered to pay an optional fine of M4 000.
The court, however suspended half the sentence for a year, on condition that the convict does not commit a similar crime within that period.
Evidence led before court shows that on January 20, Mpale stole the two batteries belonging to Vodacom Lesotho.
Before the theft was detected, VCL technicians had become aware of signal problems in the area.
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Police investigations that ensued led to the subsequent arrest of Mpale.
Handing down the sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Nkuebe Ramabele told the convict that he deserved to be punished for his actions so that in future, he thinks twice about committing a crime.
Advocate ’Mathuto Tšenoli prosecuted. LeNA
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