Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A CHINHOYI man’s sticky fingers landed him behind bars after he snatched a cellphone from a fellow kombi passenger — and tried to vanish into the crowd!
Michael Todhla (22) of Alaska Compound pounced on his victim, Samantha Tembo (22), during a kombi ride from Chinhoyi to Alaska Compound on 16 March 2025. As Tembo got distracted while disembarking, Todhla swooped in, grabbed her Tecno Pop 7 Capri Blue worth US$100 from her lap — and bolted!
But crime doesn’t pay. Todhla was nailed and dragged to court, where he was handed a 21-month jail term.
However, parts of the sentence were suspended:
• 9 months suspended for 3 years
• 6 months suspended if he repays the US$100 by 30 April 2025
• 6 months suspended if he completes 210 hours of community service at Alaska Primary School
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) reports that stolen phone was never recovered.
Authorities are warning travelers to stay alert when riding public transport.
