Female shoplifters blame poverty for actions
By Leonard Ncube
Two women from Victoria Falls who stole a combined eight packets of hair extensions worth $52 from OK Mart have blamed their actions on poverty.
Mpumelelo Mahlangu (38) and Patronella Pasipamire (36) are well known omarobane in Hwange and Victoria Falls, where they have been convicted of similar crimes before.
Omarobane is street lingo for shoplifters.
Appearing separately before Victoria Falls magistrate Ms Rangarirai Gakanje last week, Mahlangu and Pasipamire, both of Mkhosana suburb, said they are single mothers and are struggling to fend for their children.
“I’m a widow and wanted to raise money to take care of my child who is sick and needs medication,” said Mahlangu.
Pasipamire told the court that she wanted to raise money for her child’s school fees.
The two were convicted on their own pleas. Mahlangu was sentenced to two months in jail while three months that were suspended in a previous conviction were brought to effect hence she will serve five months.
Her partner in crime, Pasipamire was slapped with a six months jail term and one month was suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.
The court was told that the duo has a number of previous convictions in Hwange.
Prosecuting, Mr David Tivakudze said Mahlangu and Pasipamire stole the braids at OK Mart in Victoria Falls on July 15. The Chronicle
