Mbabane – What happens when hunger and desperation collide with the harsh realities of unemployment? In a world where survival often trumps morality, Alfred Matse and Ncamiso Mabuza found themselves in court, accused of stealing three carry packs of brutal fruit worth E630, which they intended to sell.
The magistrate asked the two accused why they committed the offence. Matse, accused number one, said he has three minor children who are dependent on him, whom he needs to support.
Mabuza, accused number two, said he was a single parent to a four-year-old and had to make sure the minor did not go to bed hungry.
Matse said he pays child support, pays rent and has debts to service but acknowledged that it was not an excuse to commit crime. He was desperate, he said, pleading with the court to be very lenient with him.
After hearing their testimonies, the court presented evidence of both accused charged with theft. The court found them guilty as charged. They were each sentenced to ten months’ imprisonment with an option to pay E1000.
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