Mohau Moqabe (20) of Alex who pleaded guilty to theft of a laptop was sentenced by Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on 1 November to 7 years’ imprisonment with three of the years suspended for five years.
The incident occurred at 7.45am on 25 October at a Royal Court flat on Alfred Nxo Avenue.
Read: Laptops allegedly stolen by cleaner in government department
The female victim went to a nearby spaza shop and when she returned, she entered her bedroom and heard noises in the living room. She went to check and found the accused sitting on a chair.
When she asked for his identity and what he wanted, Moqabe kept quiet. She went back to her room where her boyfriend was to dress properly. When she returned, the victim again asked what he wanted and he still kept quiet but stood up and left holding her laptop.
The victim followed him while asking for the laptop. When he did not respond, she screamed attracting the boyfriend and neighbours who caught and beat Moqabe up as he tried to escape before police arrived and arrested him.
Read: Laptop thieves on the run
The laptop was recovered and given back to the victim.
Details: Alex police station 011 321 7621.
Edited by Stacey Woensdregt
