Zimpapers Logo

Adelaide Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
A MAN who stole a hair clipper at OK Supermarket left a court in stitches when he claimed he wanted to beautify his wife so that she looks attractive like other women.

Mlungisi Jele, 35, of Chinotimba suburb appeared before Victoria Falls magistrate Rangarirai Gakanje yesterday charged with theft.

He pleaded guilty and the magistrate sentenced him to two months imprisonment.

However, Jele will serve 30 days in jail after the magistrate suspended one month for five years on condition of good behaviour.

The magistrate said she considered that Jele was a first offender who showed contrition and had a family to take care of.

In his defence Jele said: “I took the hair clipper because I wanted to please my wife by enhancing her looks so that she looks more beautiful like other women.”

He told the court he was unemployed and could not afford to take his wife to a hair salon.

“I regret ever doing this. Now I know I’ve to work to get good things in life,” Jele said.

The State case was that Jele entered the supermarket on Friday and took a hair clipper from one of the shelves before placing it in his trouser pocket.

Unbeknown to him, all his moves were captured on the Closed Circuit Television.

“On November 20 at around 2PM the accused entered into OK Supermarket and stole a hair clipper. He was spotted on CCTV and was arrested as he tried to leave the shop,” said the prosecutor Listen Nare.

The court heard that security guards arrested Jele as he attempted to leave the shop without paying.

The value of the stolen item is $40 and it was recovered.