Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A 36-year-old Hwange man has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after stealing a cellphone from a patron at a local beerhall.
James Phiri appeared before Hwange Provincial Magistrate Anesu Gavaza facing a charge of theft as defined in Section 113(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
Phiri pleaded guilty to the charge and was convicted and sentenced to 18 months in prison, with six months suspended for five years on the usual conditions. He will effectively serve 12 months behind bars.
The court heard that on August 24, 2026, at around 1.15AM, Phiri and the complainant, Webster Chabuda, were drinking beer at Reeds Beerhall in Hwange.
Chabuda later left for Vegas Club, leaving Phiri at the beerhall.
Upon arriving at Vegas Club, Chabuda discovered that his black Samsung A06 cellphone was missing.
He initially suspected three men whom he had given a lift to the club and went with them to the police station, where he made a report. Police investigations subsequently led to Phiri’s arrest.
The court heard that Phiri was found in possession of the stolen cellphone, which he had concealed inside his jacket.
He had also removed the two SIM cards from the phone. The cellphone, valued at US$100, was recovered and could be produced in court as an exhibit.
The State submitted that Phiri had acted unlawfully and had intended to permanently deprive Chabuda of his property.
Prosecutor Erica Makanza represented the State.
