Woman tries to flee with 100ml Vaseline bottle

A 39-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo woman caused a scene in Plumtree Town when she tried to flee from security guards with a 100ml Vaseline bottle she stole from a local supermarket.

Buhlebenkosi Mpofu of 3882 Gwabalanda suburb dashed out of a supermarket clutching her handbag, which contained the loot. She was, however, no match for the supermarket's security guards who apprehended her with the assistance of members of the public.

Prosecuting Medica Tshuma said Mpofu walked into the supermarket on March 22 and pretended to be buying.

"Mpofu was seen moving around the shop shelves pretending to be shopping. She was spotted by one of the workers in the supermarket placing a bottle of Vaseline in her handbag.

"She then rushed out of the supermarket after realising that she had been spotted but was apprehended by security guards that were manning the exit," he said.

Passing sentence Gideon Ruvetsa urged Mpofu to behave likely an elderly woman.

"I wonder how your children would react on learning that you were arrested for stealing a Vaseline bottle. With such a record how would you rebuke them if they also become shoplifters?

"You have to behave like an elderly woman with children. You also have to set a good example for your children. I order you to pay $20  fine or spend 10 days in prison in case of default," he said.

In her defence Mpofu told the court that she desperately wanted Vaseline for her children.