*FINED FOR STEALING $8 HOODIE JACKET📰* *Source:* The Times *Article By:* Dumnisani Ndlovu SHURUGWI - A local man was fined US$50 when he appeared at the Shurugwi Magistrates Court last week for stealing a jacket valued at just US$8. Simbarashe Mudhutswa, of Tongogara, was convicted of theft by Shurugwi Magistrate Sithabile Zungula. The court heard that on May 22, the complainant, only identified as Tendai, left his shop unattended to fetch water. Mudhutswa then entered the shop and took the hoodie jacket, concealing it in a nearby secluded area. However, his actions did not go unnoticed. A passerby witnessed the theft and promptly informed the complainant, who reported the incident to the police. During the court proceedings, Public Prosecutor Tafadzwa Guzete presented the details of the case, which left many in the courtroom puzzled. In her ruling, Magistrate Zungula fined Mudhutswa US$50, citing the absence of aggravating circumstances. "A plea of guilty is mitigatory. You pleaded guilty and did not waste the court's time and resources. Furthermore, you are a first offender," she explained, noting that these factors contributed to a lighter sentence than would typically be mandated for theft. The Magistrate also highlighted that the stolen jacket had been recovered and that Simbarashe had not benefited from the crime. He was ordered to pay the fine by June 10, 2025, at the Shurugwi court accounts office. Failure to comply with the order would result in a 30-day imprisonment sentence. When asked about his motivations for stealing the jacket, Simbarashe offered a nonchalant response, stating, "I was drunk, I guess." *Kwekwe News Bulletin* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vadb1KKIiRoom1e73h2t