POLOKWANE – According to the crime statistics which were released last week, shoplifting was one of the highest crimes in Polokwane.
This was proven true last week when two elderly women were arrested for shoplifting at a Boxers Supermarket in the city.
The two women allegedly placed R3 500 worth of groceries underneath their clothing. The groceries included cosmetics, baby formula, as well as cold drinks, which they strategically placed in their underwear, bras, socks and skirts.
Store manager, Hector Netshikweta, said one of the staff members spotted the women shoplifting and after paying for several items, the store’s security officers insisted on searching them.
Asked the reason for shoplifting, the women claimed “the devil made them do it”.
“One of the women said they are not thieves and that it was the devil that made them shoplift,” said Netshikweta.
Polokwane police spokesperson, Capt Ntobeng Phala confirmed that the women were arrested and a case of shoplifting was opened.
Phala stated that the police had adopted a zero tolerance towards shoplifting in the city.
“An offender was successfully convicted for five years for shoplifting. If anyone is caught shoplifting, they will be arrested and profiled by the police and that in turn will give the police a valid reason to oppose bail in an attempt to curb shoplifting in the city. Those who are thinking of shoplifting should take this as a warning,” said Phala sternly.
