Sidumisile Mabena
Moreblessing Ncube
A DUO from Makokoba suburb in Bulawayo allegedly distracted a man by asking for a lighter, before snatching his phone and fleeing.
Fanuel Judge and Calper Tshuma appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Vimbai Chirai after they allegedly teamed up to steal a cellphone from a 42-year-old man using distraction tactics more common in schoolyards than city streets.
The pair pleaded guilty to theft and were remanded in custody to today.
Prosecutor Joseph Rugara said the crime took place on 1 February at around 1 PM at the busy corner of Lobengula Street and 3rd Avenue.
Misheck Misichili, was minding his own business when he was approached by the two men.
One of the accused politely asked for a cigarette lighter, successfully diverting the complainant’s attention for a few seconds.
That was all it took.
As Misichili focused on the lighter request, the second accused allegedly slipped a hand into his pocket, snatched his cellphone and bolted.
The plan, however, did not go as smoothly as expected.
Misichili quickly reacted and managed to catch the man who had asked for the lighter. Faced with the law closing in, the suspect later led police to his accomplice.
The stolen cellphone was recovered, undoing the entire operation.
The court heard that the total value of the stolen property was $150 and the total value recovered was also $150, leaving the duo with nothing to show for their hustle except a court date.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter