In a surprising turn of events, 23-year-old Zimbabwean man Mbekezeli Nxumalo has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to a charge of motor vehicle theft.

Nxumalo, driven by the desire to visit his lover in Lupane, admitted to stealing a car from his drinking mate, Heymen Khuphe.

During the trial, it was revealed that Nxumalo and Khuphe had been drinking together in the city center when Khuphe offered Nxumalo a ride home.

We're now on WhatsApp. Click here to join.

However, upon reaching Khuphe’s residence, Nxumalo, seemingly asleep, remained in the car while Khuphe briefly stepped away.

To his dismay, Khuphe returned to find his car gone, with Nxumalo and the stolen vehicle disappearing into the night.

Unbeknownst to Nxumalo, the stolen car broke down before he could reach his destination.

Showing an unexpected twist of conscience, he left the car by the roadside and went to inform its owner of the unfortunate incident. Khuphe reported the theft to the police, leading to Nxumalo’s subsequent arrest.

During the sentencing, the court acknowledged Nxumalo’s guilty plea, sparing them the trouble of a lengthy trial.

The magistrate, recognizing Nxumalo as a first-time offender, took note of his remorseful demeanor during the proceedings. Despite the unusual circumstances, Nxumalo now faces a 5-year jail term for his love-driven misadventure.