Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura Court Reporter
A 19-year-old Bulawayo man has been fined US$150 after he ran away with a complainant’s cellphone moments after asking to use it to make a call.
Bekithemba Nkosi Ndlovu of Njube suburb appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube facing a charge of theft.
Ndlovu, who pleaded guilty, was ordered to pay the US$150 fine by January 2, 2026, or risk serving three months in prison.
Prosecuting, Ms Cathrine Kuzu told the court that the offence occurred on November 29 at around 8.30AM.
On that day, the accused spotted the minor — a Form One pupil — walking near Congo Beer Garden in Mpopoma. He approached the complainant and asked to use her cellphone to call his friend. She handed him her Hisense E35 handset.
Upon receiving the phone, Ndlovu took off running. The complainant chased after him, and members of the public apprehended him. He was searched, and the stolen cellphone, valued at US$80, was recovered, said Ms Kuzu.
