[imagesource: Twitter / @NicoleGraham031]

Mbuso Moloi has come to be known as the ‘Mercedes Woolies Looter’ ever since footage of him went viral in July last year.

What really caused outrage was how he originally claimed that he never actually entered the Woolworths in Durban, only to be caught in a web of lies after a second video emerged.

The last time we checked in, he was being charged with theft, public violence, trespassing, and contravention of the National Road Traffic Regulations of 2000.

Moloi has now offered a public apology via two letters given to The Sunday Times.

“After being labelled and smeared a civil terrorist, I got what I deserved. Believe me, it was more than I bargained for,” he said.

“It has not been easy; I have endured a season or two of isolation and silence. Filtered with unfamiliar yellow concrete walls, startling echoes of heavy metal gates opening and closing, and my mother’s tears.

Image: Tumi Pakkies / African News Agency

“These seasons will certainly humble any man. I was stubborn, arrogant and selfish. I thought reaching for the stars meant climbing on top of others, using their hands to lift me up and heads as stepping blocks. I acted immaturely, losing track and sight of the present day.”

Moloi’s intention to plead guilty, only for the situation to change on the day, has been an ongoing theme during the legal process.

He was again expected to plead guilty to charges at his most recent court appearance on June 23 but changed attorneys at the last minute.

The matter has been adjourned once more to August 15.

The letters sent to The Sunday Times also outline how he feels he has been unfairly singled out:

“…there were others who were caught on video and by police officers with appliances, heavy equipment, money, safes and weapons and ammunition in their vehicles and none of them had their vehicles taken from them and some even had their cases withdrawn. It goes without question that my case has been one that is personal.”

Moloi spent seven nights in Westville prison and says he has “had to go through therapy after experiencing a near-death and suicide experience after being bullied and pushed around”.

In order to right his wrongs, Moloi has apologised to the staff at the Woolies he looted, but is he really contrite if he keeps deferring a guilty plea each time he sets foot in a courtroom?

His letter concludes by saying “I am not a judge and evidently not a saint. I am human, however.”

When you consider how our political bigwigs can loot millions and billions with little to no consequences, and Moloi has been hauled to court for a shopping cart full of overpriced yet convenient Woolies goodies, I can see why there are those on social media who say it’s time to forgive him.

[source:sundaytimes]