Chronicle Editor
Brenda Zinyuke, Court Reporter
A MAN from Bulawayo has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for stealing an iPhone and bank card from a drunk patron and going on to make transactions amounting to $962. Simbarashe Shonhiwa (25) of Nketa 7 suburb stole from Mr Sikhumbuzo Gerald Ndiweni (38) of Romney Park suburb after they had met at Shisha bar located at Corner Leopold Takawira Avenue and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street.
Shonhiwa pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Lizwe Jamela.
He was sentenced to 12 months in prison and three months of the sentence were suspended on condition that he does not within the next five years commit a similar offence. A further three months were suspended on condition that Shonhiwa restitutes Mr Ndiweni US$700 for the iPhone and $962 before the end of this month.
The remaining six months were suspended on condition that the accused person completes 210 hours of community service at Bulawayo Magistrates Court.
Prosecuting, Mr Denmark Chihombe said on September 27 last year at around 8PM, Mr Ndiweni was in the company of his friend when they went to Shisha bar.
“The complainant and his friend met the accused person who they drank beer with and also gave access to the complainant’s bank card pin number,” he said.
After a few beers, Mr Ndiweni got drunk and Shonhiwa took advantage of his drunken state to steal the iPhone cellphone and bank card. He did transactions amounting to $962. The matter was reported to the police leading to his arrest. — @zinyuke98
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