A 46-year-old local man was sentenced to eight months’ jail on Saturday for stealing from a charity fund of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and damaging the donation box.
Pengiran Zulkefli bin Pengiran Haji Metussin pleaded guilty to charges of theft and mischief.
The case unfolded with a detailed account of events provided by prosecutor Nur Zahidah Farhanah binti Abdul Aziz during court proceedings heard before Magistrate Abdul ‘Azim bin Othman. The married man employed as a phone operator at the Community Development Department at the MCYS committed the theft on April 4 during his shift from 3pm to 10pm.
While grappling with personal financial pressures, Pengiran Zulkefli’s actions took a criminal turn when he decided to address his debt through illicit means. Between 9.30pm and 10.30pm, the man seized the opportunity when he noticed an unattended donation box designated for a Humanitarian Fund.
He concealed the donation box inside a plastic container, which he transported to his car. Near the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, he forcibly opened the box with a car tyre opener and pilfered BND200 in BND10 notes.
His attempt to cover his tracks was short-lived as security personnel discovered the damaged donation box soon after.
Following a review of CCTV footage, the man was identified, leading to his arrest.
During interrogations, the man confessed to his actions. Investigations further revealed that despite returning a portion of the stolen money, Pengiran Zulkefli caused damages amounting to BND140 to the donation box. – Fadley Faisal
