Man in court for stealing iPhone 11, US$70

A 22-year-old man of no fixed abode has appeared before the Mutare Magistrates' Court facing robbery charges following an incident that occurred in Penhalonga in August.

The suspect, Anotida Chiwada, appeared before magistrate Perseverance Makhala charged with robbery and pleaded not guilty. He was remanded in custody pending trial.

Prosecutor Tinotenda Muzondo told the court that on August 30, 2025, at around 7am, Chiwada and four unidentified accomplices confronted Rufaro Chiwanga as she was walking home from church in the company of Vanisha Tenesi.

Chiwada allegedly tried to start a conversation with Chiwanga, but she ignored him. The court heard that this angered the accused, who then ran towards her, blocked her path, and threatened her with violence.

He is alleged to have grabbed her by her braided hair, forcibly searched her pockets, and stolen an iPhone 11 together with US$70 in cash before fleeing the scene with his accomplices.

Prosecutor Muzondo said Chiwada acted with the intent to instill fear and coerce the complainant into surrendering her belongings. The matter was later reported to the police, leading to Chiwada's arrest, while his four accomplices are still at large.

Chiwada is expected to return to court on October 24, 2025, for trial.