A 45-year-old widow and street vendor was arrested for shoplifting uniforms valued at more than E2,300 in Manzini.
Xolile Qolane Dlamini (45), from Bhobokazi area, appeared before Magistrate Justice Mzizi at the Manzini Magistrate’s Court, where she was charged with two counts of theft.
According to the charge sheet, Dlamini committed her first offence on January 24 at Manzini Pep Store, stealing various school uniform items, including shirts, trousers, and shoes, valued at E2,409.98. The items were in the lawful possession of Linda Masina.
READ MORE | Call for unity, purpose in ending GBV
The second charge relates to an incident in December 2025 at Manzini Lifestyle Centre, where Dlamini allegedly stole a pair of black formal shoes, size 8, valued at E300, belonging to Nelisiwe Gamedze.
Dlamini pleaded guilty to both charges and was convicted on her own plea.
In mitigation, she asked for leniency, explaining that she is a widow and the sole breadwinner for her four dependent children, surviving by selling goods at a local market.
The court sentenced her to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of E2,000 on each count.
