SITEKI – Siteki-based comedian Nhlanhla ‘Siyadakwa Schomoketi the Comedia’ Mlambo (31) appeared at the Siteki Magistrates Court with Sabelo Mashaba (45) charged with the  theft of 650 litres of diesel valued at E13 600.

The duo appeared before Principal Magistrate Donald Mavuso after being charged for stealing the diesel belonging to Businessman Moses Boy Motsa on Wednesday. Both accused persons are employees of the businessman.
Mlambo is a resident of Mzilikazi and known for posting comedy videos through his Facebook page ‘Siyadakwa Schomoketi the Comedian’.

They conducted their own defence and pleaded guilty as charged when their right to legal representation was read to them. In mitigation, Mashaba of Lugongolweni area told the court that he has been employed as a panel beater and spray painter by the businessman for 18 years. He submitted in court that he was tempted to committing the crime on the basis that he was earning E4 000 and he got E3 800 after deductions. The accused person also informed the court that the salary could not sustain his livelihood as a breadwinner and a family man.

He told the court that he has been doing side jobs to ensure that he maintains his family and children. He pleaded for the courts leniency when passing sentence mentioning that his children and wife would suffer if he was incarcerated.
“I will like the court to consider my submissions when passing sentence as it was not my intention but I was tempted to commit the crime on the premise that I earn a paltry salary,” he told the court.

Also during his mitigation, Mlambo informed the court that he has a minor child and was a breadwinner and urged the court to be lenient when passing sentence. The principal magistrate ordered that the consignment of the diesel be released back to the owner and further remanded the duo out of custody stating that sentencing will take place on Monday as he has to go through the case file. He further reminded the duo to in court on Monday and warned them that failure to do so will result in the issuance of a warrant of arrest.