Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A THORNGROVE man thought he had pulled off a clean getaway after sneaking into a house and stealing gadgets worth US$660, but modern tech had other plans.
Prince Nyahwa (30) is now serving 150 hours of community service after he was caught thanks to a cellphone tracker that exposed his exact location.
The theft occurred on February 26 around 11 AM in Paddonhurst. The victim, Wisdom Pikirwe, was playing games with friends in his garage when Nyahwa slipped into the house through an unlocked door.
He helped himself to an HP laptop, a Samsung A32, an Itel phone, and a black satchel. He left behind only a phone charger.
“I thought my friends had moved my phone, but when I checked with them, we realised the laptop and other stuff were gone too,” said Pikirwe.
Using the “Find My Phone” app, they tracked the missing cellphone to Unity Village. Pikirwe, accompanied by his landlord, confronted Nyahwa who was found carrying the stolen satchel along with all the gadgets.
He tried to deny the theft, but with the phone pinging in his hand, there was no escape.
Nyahwa told the court he was unemployed and stole out of desperation. The magistrate took his plea into consideration and sentenced him to community service instead of jail.
This case proves that in the age of smart tech, even smart thieves get caught.
Always lock your doors. And if you don’t, make sure your gadgets can call for help on their own.
