Pair jailed for stealing 120 smart-phones

THE desire to get rich quickly this week earned two Mutare teenagers effective 18-month jail terms after being convicted of stealing 120 Nokia and Samsung smart-phones from a city shop.

Justice Sithole (19) and Clide Matingo (19) were both convicted on their own guilty pleas when they appeared before senior Mutare magistrate Mrs Sekai Chiundura facing charges of unlawful entry into premises as defined under Section 131 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.

Both had initially been handed 36-month jail terms before the court suspended 18 months on condition that they are not convicted of a similar offence within the next five years and that they restitute the complainant, Shumirai Charamba, $4 500 which is the total value of the stolen goods.

Sithole and Matingo were finally sentenced to 18 months behind bars.

Prosecuting was Mr Donald Mudadirwa.

It was the State's case that on December 15, the pair broke into Vacphone Shop located at Number 21 Tembwe Street, Mutare, and stole mobile phones and cellphone accessories.

"The duo stole 120 smart-phones, 60 phone chargers, 20 earphones, 43 pouches, 49 T-flashes and several other mobile phone accessories.

"On January 15, police detectives on surveillance in Sakubva, received a tip-off to the effect that the two were seen selling cellphones suspected to have been stolen at Vacphone

"The pair was arrested and admitted to stealing the listed items," said Mr Mudadirwa.

Asked on why they committed the offence when they have previous convictions, Sithole, said: "I can't help it, Your Worship. It might be an evil spirit that needs exorcism on my part."