Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
EX-CONVICT Bernard Hwete, commonly known as Liquid Yonke, is back in prison – less than two years after his release.
He even turned down an offer from the magistrate to perform community service.
Hwete told the magistrate the task of cleaning the city belongs to the Harare City Council.
This time, Hwete is in prison after being convicted of theft.
Hwete told H-Metro he blames a woman he met while navigating the city’s nightlife.
“I had promised myself I wouldn’t return to prison after completing my drug sentence in March 2024,” he said.
“But after my release, I fell for a lady of the night who took me to a nightclub along Nelson Mandela Avenue.
“It was during this night out that the situation took a drastic turn.
“While at the club, the lady stole the latest iPhone from another customer.
“In a moment of desperation, I grabbed the phone from her, not realising the chaos that would follow.
“When she reported me to the police, I tried to settle the matter by offering her US$40 for the phone but someone tipped her off about its value, which is comparable to a Honda Fit.”
Hwete was even given the option to perform community service.
However, he rejected it.
“I told the magistrate that cleaning should just be another task for the Council.”
He was sentenced to 12 months in prison and five months were suspended.
“I’m determined to finish my time before September this year,” he said.
By yesterday afternoon, Hwete was among 2,260 inmates at Harare Central Prison, which has a capacity of only 1,128, resulting in overcrowding.
He was among the beneficiaries of an outreach initiative, led by Pathway to Reintegration Foundation (PAREF), in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service.
Madzibaba Nigel Dokwani of Johanne Masowe yeChishanu donated plastic shoes, toiletries, toothbrushes and soccer balls to the inmates.
