By Patience Gondo
A complainant who laughed while giving crucial evidence in a case where she lost ZAR 2 400 and USD$10 to theft, will always blame herself for not taking issues seriously.
Acquitting Loveness Thompson (48), Provincial Magistrate Oswin Ferenando on Tuesday said the court did not find seriousness in Melody Moyo demeanour .
“Complainant’s laughter while giving evidence did not show seriousness,” said Ferenando.
He also said there was no direct evidence of the theft.
There were also no witnesses who saw the money being taken, he said.
Ferenando also said there was no forced entry into the house, and it was difficult to understand why Thompson would have broken the window while she had keys.
It was also common cause that there were multiple theft of mobile phones and other items at the cottage in question.
For those reasons it was difficult for the court to find the Thompson guilty considering she had been consistent in her defence.
Thompson in her defence said she returned the keys days prior to the theft.
Her defence was also corroborated by her witness while Moyo had a single person evidence.
The dismissed state case was that between 12 and 13 April at 1700 Impala Extension, Beitbridge, Thompson stole ZAR 2 400 and USD$10 belonging to her friend Moyo.
It was alleged Thompson asked for Moyo’s assistance for her to place her plastic cool drinks into Moyo’s fridge since her own was not working.
Moyo gave Thompson a spare key for her to put the frozen drinks during her absence.
It is alleged Thompson took advantage of Moyo’s absence and stole cash which was in the bedroom which the court threw away.
Sichelesile Sibanda prosecuted.