Woman steals phone at clinic while awaiting treatment

A 48-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo woman stole money and a mobile phone at a clinic while awaiting treatment.

Thulani Sayi stole $60 and a Nokia mobile phone from Sanelisiwe Moyo who was also a patient awaiting treatment at Luveve Clinic.

Sayi appeared before Western Commonage provincial magistrate Willard Maphios Moyo facing theft charges.

She pleaded guilty and was fined $100 or three months in prison.

Prosecuting, Kingstone Mkanganwi told the court that Sayi intentionally took Moyo's money and hid it.

"Sayi stole Moyo's money and hid it in the next room intending to collect it after her treatment," he said.

The court heard that on December 12, Sayi and Moyo were at Luveve Clinic as patients. While they were both awaiting treatment Sayi stole a Nokia phone and $60.

The stolen property was recovered.

Sayi begged the magistrate to give her a non-custodial sentence.

"Your Worship, please can you make me pay a fine or make me perform community service. I've three minor kids who depend on me.

"I live far away, most of the times I'll be in the rural areas farming to raise money for my children's upkeep," said Sayi.

The magistrate heard her plea and handed her a non-custodial sentence.