Corpun file 24445 at www.corpun.com

The Voice, Francistown, 28 December 2012

LUCKY ESCAPE: Kereemang Aboneng

Beer and cigarette thief spared jail but not the lash

By Staff Reporter

A Francistown youth was spared a prison sentence but will receive six lashes to his 'bare buttocks' after stealing beer and cigarettes from a shop at Tatisiding village.

Remorseful 21-year-old Kereemang Aboneng of Gerald Estates location in Francistown narrowly escaped spending Christmas behind bars when he was handed down a wholly suspended six-month sentence on condition that he does not commit a similar offence over a period of two years.

In sentencing the accused, Francistown Principal Magistrate Thebeetsile Christian Mulalu told the court, "First and young offenders deserve a second chance.

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Taking them to jail could result in them being turned into hardcore criminals."

In delivering his verdict the magistrate took his time and lectured the young Aboneng on the dangers of being involved in criminal activities, advising him to seek other ways of generating income.

"Be careful. You will not be this lucky next time. So refrain from crime," he concluded.

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