Former MuvhangoActor caught 'shoplifting'

Former Muvhango actor Phila Mazibuko can thank his lucky stars for not spending this Christmas in jail.

This follows him being let off the hook for stealing sweets and a magazine valued at R35 two weeks ago.

Mazibuko (27), who played Thandaza's nephew Spha on the soapie, was allegedly caught shoplifting at a Shell garage on New Road in Midrand, north of Joburg.

Sunday World understands the former Live presenter was saved by the owner of the filling station after police were called by the garage's employees.

But Mazibuko denied the allegations and accused the garage of treating their customers badly.

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"I will not say anything about the Shell garage in New Road, Midrand, because they know that their customer service is very poor," he said.

"As for me shoplifting, ask the cops. I'm the one who called them."

Sunday World is in possession of a video showing Mazibuko arguing with police officers and the owner of the garage.

In it, one police official is heard saying: "He thinks that because he is a celebrity then he can do as he pleases."

The video also shows one employee directing his attention toward Mazibuko's black Peugeot, but the actor reacts angrily, pointing atand attempting to push him.

But Mazibuko, who also appeared on e.tv soapie Rhythm City as Peter, is then stopped in his tracks by the police.

Thereafter, another police official is heard asking him why he took the goods from the garage without paying for them.

But instead of answering, Mazibuko is seen stuttering and pointing fingers at the person filming the incident.

The garage's owner, Ofentse Moabi, confirmed the incident, saying he had to rescue Mazibuko from the police.

"I just thought it would be unnecessary for us to go to court over a small matter we could resolve as individuals," said Moabi.

"So I asked the police officers to let him go."

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According to a garage employee, who asked not to be named, Mazibuko arrived at the petrol station and asked to buy an airtime voucher using his bank card.

"The cashier told him he had to buy something else as well, as they could not help him with the airtime voucher alone since he wanted to use a card for payment," said the petrol attendant.

"Phila said he was not willing to do that and walked out with a box of Nerds crunchy candy sweets and a magazine.

"They asked him if he had paid for the items, but he just walked toward his car while cursing."