Zimpapers Logo

Laurel Murangaridzirayi, [email protected]

A BULAWAYO woman from Pumula South suburb who allegedly stole a cellphone and US$ 70 from a fellow imbiber after searching him during a beer drink at a local nightclub appeared in court yesterday.

Moreblessing Mudenda (24) appeared before the Bulawayo magistrate, Ms Nomalanga Maphosa facing a charge of theft of property charge.

She pleaded guilty and was remanded in custody to today for sentencing.

Prosecuting, Mr Joseph Rugari said on July 1 at around 11pm, Mudenda, and the complainant Mr Alert Tahwa were drinking beer at a local nightclub in the city centre when an altercation ensued between the two.

“On July 1 this year at around 11pm, the accused person and the complainant were drinking beer and dancing together at a nightclub in the city centre. The complainant’s phone rang and he answered after which he put it back to his pocket and continued dancing,” he said.

The court that while the two were dancing, they had a misunderstanding during which Mudenda searched Tahwa and took his cellphone and US$70 before he disappeared with it.

Later on, Mudenda started looking for his phone and could not find it. He was alerted by some bouncers manning the entrance of the nightclub who had spotted Mudenda searching him.

A report was made to the police leading to Mudenda’s arrest near Palace Hotel. The stolen cellphone and the money were not recovered.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated matter, a 20-year-old man from Mzilikazi suburb in Bulawayo appeared before the same magistrate for allegedly stealing a cellphone at a local bar.

Graig Mlilo was remanded in custody to tomorrow for trial. Mr Rugari said sometime on August 6 at around 11pm Mlilo and the complainant, Mr Ndabezinhle Ngwenya were drinking beer at a city night club while his phone, a Samsung Galaxy M33 5G was charging.

“After a few minutes, the complainant checked his cell phone and could not locate it. He then informed the barman who upon checking on the CCTV discovered the accused person stealing the gadget,” he said.

A report was made to the police leading to Mlilo’s arrest and nothing was recovered.