Mbuso Moloi, the infamous ‘Woolworths looter’ who went viral during the ‘Free Jacob Zuma’ riots in 2021, was sentenced to three years imprisonment on Friday.
Mbuso Moloi sentenced to three years: Here’s what it means
Moloi, the Mercedes-Benz driver who was captured on video footage carrying a basket from a Woolworth’s outlet in Glenwood, Durban, during the 2021 July unrest, was offered a second chance with a suspended sentence.
The Durban Magistrate’s Court accepted Moloi’s guilty plea to theft and contravention of the Road Traffic Management Act, and handed the infamous ‘Woolworths looter’ three years imprisonment suspended for five years.
In South African criminal law, a suspended sentence is a type of criminal sentence that is imposed by a court but not immediately carried out. Instead, the execution of the sentence is suspended for a specified period, during which the offender is placed on probation or under certain conditions.
When a court imposes a suspended sentence, it means that the offender has been found guilty of a crime but is not immediately required to serve the sentence in prison. Instead, the court provides an opportunity for the offender to remain in the community, subject to specific conditions and supervision.
The conditions of a suspended sentence can vary depending on the nature of the offence and the individual circumstances of the case. Common conditions may include regular reporting to a probation officer, undergoing counselling or rehabilitation programs, refraining from certain activities or associations, or paying restitution to victims.
If Moloi successfully complies with the conditions during the specified period, the suspended sentence remains in effect, and he will not have to serve the prison term.
However, if he fails to meet the conditions or commits another offence during the suspension period, the court may revoke the suspension and require the offender to serve the original sentence.
How Moloi earned the infamous ‘Woolworth looter’ title
Mbuso Moloi went viral when he was caught on camera stealing from a Woolworth’s outlet in Glenwood, Durban during the July 2021 unrest.
In March 2023, Moloi pleaded guilty to theft and contravention of the Road Traffic Management Act.
During the court proceedings, Moloi, dressed in smart attire, admitted to operating a motor vehicle without a corresponding number plate, acknowledging that his actions were wrongful and unlawful.
However, he denied inciting others to cause a revolt. The State confirmed the withdrawal of 16 other charges against Moloi, including fraud and public violence.
The court heard Moloi’s plea, in which he described his actions as impulsive.
The vehicle used during the commission of the crime was seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit, with plans to sell it for R500 000.