Man steals nurse's cell phone to raise ambulance fee

A Bulawayo man said he stole a nurse's cell phone so that he could sell it and raise money for an ambulance, after the nurse refused to attend to his ill wife.

Lwazi Mahlangu was sentenced to an effective three months in prison by Western Commonage magistrate Temba Chimiso for theft.

The magistrate had to threaten people in the gallery with arrest when they laughed at Mahlangu's defence.

"Your worship, I'm sorry I made a mistake. I asked for the nurses at the clinic to attend to my ill wife at home but they refused. I then stole the cell phone so that I could sell it and raise money to call an ambulance to ferry my wife to the hospital," said Mahlangu.

He was sentenced to nine months in prison of which three months were suspended for five years on condition that Mahlangu does not commit an offence involving dishonesty during the period.

Three months were further suspended on condition that Mahlangu restitutes Florence Moyo, 50, her $70.
Prosecuting Ruvimbo Chanduru told the court that on February 11, 2015, around 12PM, Mahlangu went to Emakhandeni Clinic.

While there, he stole a cell phone which was on the charger on top of a cupboard and left unnoticed.

When Moyo realised that her phone was missing, she alerted the police.

Investigations were carried out leading to Mahlangu's arrest.