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Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
TWO domestic workers formerly employed by Home Affairs Deputy Minister Obedingwa Mguni will spend the next six months in prison after they stole clothes from their employer’s house.

Patience Kwaramba, 27, and Talent Selima, 18, both of Macingwane area in Mangwe District, told a court that they committed the offence as they were desperate for clothes to wear.

Kwaramba and Selima were convicted on their own plea of guilty to theft by Plumtree magistrate Gideon Ruvetsa.

Ruvetsa sentenced each of them to six months in prison.

The two women, who both have children, pleaded with the court to spare them jail time arguing that they had to fend for their children.

Ruvetsa, however, did not entertain their excuse after pointing out that the two women had committed a serious offence.

Prosecuting, Jane Phiri said the two women stole clothes belonging to Simphiwe Mguni with a total value of $761.

She said the property comprised foot wear for men and women, dresses, blankets, handbags, skirts, blouses and shirts.

“On a date unknown but during the period extending from June 2015 to December 2015, the two maids connived and proceeded to their employer’s bedroom where they opened a bag and stole clothing items.

“They shared the property between themselves and each hid her loot at her place of residence,” said Phiri.

She said on January 15, Simphiwe arrived at the homestead of one of her domestic workers in the company of her husband, Obedingwa Mguni, who is also National House of Assembly Member for Mangwe District.

Phiri said Simphiwe found her employee in possession of some of her missing clothes and upon being questioned the woman implicated her work mate.

“Simphiwe proceeded to her other domestic worker whom she confronted about the matter. The matter was reported to the police resulting in the arrest of the two domestic workers,” she said.

Phiri said property valued at $736 was recovered from the two women.