Serial thief handed a nine-year sentence

Due to the previous thefts the accused carried out across the metro, the matter was transferred to the regional court for sentencing, where the accused received a nine-year prison term.

A man, who has a long history of theft dating back to 2009, was sentenced to nine years imprisonment in the Boksburg Regional Court.

The serial thief, Mpho Mokoena (31) of Katlehong, has 11 theft convictions.

In his final two theft incidents, Mokoena targeted Builders Superstore in Vosloorus and stole spanners valued at R220 on January 24.

He also targeted Superspar in Vosloorus and stole two Nivea lotions valued at R34. 99 each and two bottles of peanut butter valued at R62.55 each on April 4.

Mokoena admitted to the two counts of theft in Boksburg District Court.

He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Previous theft convictions: 2009 in Alberton, January 2010 in Germiston, August 2013 in Palmridge, September 2014 in Germiston, December 2014 in Palmridge, February 2016 in Vosloorus, September 2016 in Palmridge, October 2016 in Vosloorus and December 2016 in Palmridge.

In the district court, Magistrate Jurg Vivier presided and prosecutor Ntombi Mbonani represented the state.

In the regional court, Magistrate Siren Harichand presided and prosecutor Nkosazana Tyeku represented the state.