Student teacher steals church groceries worth $30

A HILLSIDE Teacher's College student broke into a church and stole groceries worth $30, a court heard.

Mpilo Bhebhe, 22, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Sibongile Msipa- Marondedze charged with theft.

The student teacher was fined $50 or 30 days imprisonment after he was convicted of stealing groceries from the Family of God church.

In passing sentence, Msipa-Marondedze considered that Bhebhe was a first offender who pleaded guilty to the charge.

"You're a first offender who pleaded guilty to the charge and didn't waste the court's time.

"You've to make sure you don't commit an offence of a similar nature within a period of five years.

"If you commit a similar offence you'll be incarcerated without an option of a fine," said Msipa-Marondedze.

Prosecuting, Nkathazo Dlodlo told the court that on May 2, Bhebhe broke into Onesimeshile Dube's office within the church.

"The office is inside the Family of God Church which is situated at corner Jason Moyo Street and 11th Avenue," said Dlodlo.

The court heard that when Bhebhe entered the office, he stole six 180ml air fresheners, three cups, two spoons, forks and a tin of coffee.

Bhebhe went away and was later stopped by the police and searched.

"He was found in possession of the stolen goods and when he was questioned about where he got the goods from, he confessed that he had stolen them from the Family of God Church," said Dlodlo.

He said police led Bhebhe to the church and Dube identified the goods as his.