23 Mar 2016

Jwaneng magistrate, Ms Segametsi Basinyi has fined Phenyo Cheberengwan P5 000. 

He was convicted of a single count of breaking into a motor vehicle and theft of a laptop.

The 25-year-old Cheberengwane had pleaded guilty to the charge and was convicted on his plea. 

The court noted that the accused showed remorse by pleading guilty and asking the court to be linient on him as a custodial sentence could be disadvantageous to his future studies. 

He prayed that he be given a fine or corporal punishment.

“The law stipulates that anyone who breaks and entres a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner, thereby stealing is liable to an imprisonment term of three years and a fine of P5 000 and we should therefore act within the boundaries,” she explained.

She sentenced the accused to three years imprisonment, wholly suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence. 

Furthermore, she ordered that the accused should pay P5 000 before close of business on April 30, 2016 or he will spend 12 months in prison  if he defaults to pay. 

He was advised on his right to appeal his sentence at the high court if not satisfied with the court’s ruling.

Particulars of the offence are that on February 15, 2016, at Unit 5 H/N B21 in Jwaneng, the accused broke and entered a motor vehicle therein stealing a black Dell Latitude E6330 laptop worth P2 500 being the property of Mr Gipson Kenosi. Ends