A 28-YEAR-OLD Harare woman was on Tuesday jailed for 30 days for stealing biltong and other assorted goods at a Pick n Pay Supermarkets branch and blaming her actions on painkiller medication she was taking.
BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE
Jean Tuner, of Strathaven, was given an option of paying a $100 fine after she apologised for her actions before magistrate Rumbidzai Dzumbira.
In mitigation, Tuner told the court that her actions were completely out of character.
“I am truly sorry for having shoplifted the groceries. This was completely out of my character. I think it will help the court if I outline my personal circumstances,” Tuner said.
“Some six years ago, I was halfway through with my graphic design course with a Cape Town college when I was involved in a car accident.
“I broke my foot and was prescribed heavy painkillers and to my everlasting regret, I became addicted to these painkillers to the point of being placed under rehabilitation.”
Tuner blamed her behaviour on the excessive use of the prescribed drug.
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The court heard that on November 13 this year at Pick n Pay Avondale, Tuner collected groceries worth $75, which included super ramp steak, biltong, beef, coffee, a lunch box, blueberries, mixed veggies, ham, ocean tuna as well as chocolate and put them in her handbag.
She also put other goods in a trolley and went to the till point, where she paid for the goods which were in the trolley and did not pay for the goods in her handbag.
When she tried to leave the shop, she was searched and was found with the unpaid goods in her bag worth $75, leading to her arrest.
Benjamin Chikerema appeared for the State.
