The Matala Local Court has fined a man M1,500 after finding him guilty of stealing household items, including dishes, clothes, and shoes, belonging to a woman from Lithabaneng.
Court President Manthuntsi Ntšala ruled that Lehlohonolo Mohanoe must pay M1,500 in compensation to the complainant, Thabang Moqoko, or serve a one-year prison sentence in default of payment.
According to evidence presented in court on Tuesday this week, Moqoko discovered her belongings missing on August 14, 2025.
She said the stolen items had been stored in a shed on her property, where bricks are produced.
Mohanoe, who was responsible for overseeing the facility, was also in possession of the keys to the storage room, she noted.
Moqoko told the court that she had last seen her items in the storage area but later found them missing.
When she confronted Mohanoe, he denied any knowledge of the disappearance.
Suspicious of his response, Moqoko reported the matter to the Ha-Thamae Police Post who quickly sprang into action.
Police later accompanied Moqoko to Mohanoe’s residence, where a search led to the recovery of some of the stolen items.
Mohanoe was subsequently arrested and charged with theft.
During the hearing, Mohanoe pleaded guilty to theft.
In mitigation, he asked the court for leniency, citing his responsibility to care for his two children.
In delivering judgment, President Ntšala ordered him to compensate Moqoko M1,500 or face a year in prison if he fails to pay.
