Mbabane -A 45-year-old man from Mnyokane, Nkosinathi Mandeku Maseko, was arrested and charged for stealing three rolls of fencing material belonging to his neighbour, Nomusa Malindzisa at Jubukweni on October 20.

Maseko appeared before the Mbabane Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to the charge. According to court records, Maseko unlawfully took the fence and transported it to his home. He said he wanted to use the fence to secure his fields. He told the court that since it was ploughing season, he feared livestock would destroy his crops if the field remained open.

“I did not intend to sell the fence or cause harm to anyone. I only took it because I needed it to protect my crops. I am very sorry for what I did,” Maseko told the court.

He pleaded for leniency and that he was a first offender. Further mitigating, Maseko explained that he is unemployed and struggling to make ends meet. He said he is the sole breadwinner for his two children, who were abandoned by their mother when they were still very young. He also takes care of his elderly mother, who is unwell.

After listening to his mitigation, the court acknowledged his personal circumstances but emphasized that stealing was not justified under any condition. The magistrate stated that while the court sympathized with his situation, theft remains a serious offence that cannot be overlooked.

As a result, Maseko was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment or to pay a fine of E1 000.