Accused steals under-garments

AMUTARE court was left in stitches last Friday after a man admitted to stealing a stranger’s petticoat saying he wanted to give it to his wife as a present. Joseph Mutsingo (23) of Sheba Estates revealed this when he appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate Mr Tendai Mabwe on theft charges. He pleaded guilty to the offence. Mr Fletcher Karombe prosecuted. The State heard it that Leenmore Bobo and the complainant Mutsingo were coming from Stapleford Estate together on August 28.

The complainant gave the accused her bag for safekeeping while she went to relieve herself.

The bag contained feminine clothing. From the bag, the accused person stole a petticoat, two towels, pair of shorts and a blouse.

He hid them in a nearby bush. However, the complainant noticed that some of her clothes were missing but the suspect denied ever seeing them.

The matter was, however, reported to the police and the stolen items were recovered from the bush.

“Your Worship, I erred but when I saw the clothes, I only thought of my wife and how she would react if I brought her the garments. I beg for the court’s forgiveness,” he begged.

Mutsingo was also charged with contravening Section 157 of the Dangerous Drug Act after he was found in possession of three sachets of dagga following his arrest.

Mr Mabwe remanded him in custody for sentencing.