A 35-year-old man from Sigcineni has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for theft under false pretenses after failing to pay a food bill at Mbabane Spur.
Siboniso Masuku appeared before Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati at the Mbabane Magistrates’ Court on a charge of theft under false pretenses.
According to the charge sheet, the offence occurred on December 11, when Masuku unlawfully and intentionally obtained food valued at E3 083.10 from Mbabane Spur, which was in the lawful possession of Mfundo Manana, and failed to pay for it.
Masuku was advised of his right to legal representation but chose to represent himself, pleading guilty to the offence. In mitigation, he apologised to the court, admitting that he had acted wrongly. He informed the court that he had managed to raise E2 000 towards the outstanding bill and requested additional time to pay the balance.
The matter was briefly stood down to allow Masuku to gather the remaining amount. When proceedings resumed, he paid the full balance owed to the restaurant.
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In sentencing, the court considered that Masuku was a first-time offender and had shown remorse by settling the full bill. Magistrate Vilakati sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment, with an option of a E2 000 fine. Half of the custodial sentence was wholly suspended for one year on condition that Masuku is not convicted of a similar offence during the suspension period.
Masuku further requested a deferred sentence for the fine, citing financial difficulties. The court granted his application, ordering him to return on December 19 with proof of payment.
