MBABANE — Simphiwe Maziya, a 33-year-old mother of five from Nkwalini, has been ordered to pay a E500 fine or serve five months in prison after stealing a 750ml bottle of Gordon’s gin valued at E230 from Shoprite Liquor on October 29, 2025.
Maziya appeared before Magistrate Chazile Thwala and pleaded for leniency, explaining that she is a single mother supporting three school-going children and two in preschool. She told the court she planned to sell the alcohol to raise money for her children, as their fathers do not provide maintenance.
Magistrate Thwala questioned why Maziya chose to steal alcohol instead of food to feed her children. Maziya was unable to provide an answer. She was subsequently found guilty and sentenced to pay the fine or serve the alternative prison term.
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