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Man steals dead cop's phone at funeral
6 hrs ago |
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A 32-year-old street car washer has been sentenced to community service after stealing a cellphone belonging to one of two police officers fatally shot by an armed robber in Zaka two months ago.
Tobias Cheuka was convicted of theft after stealing a Samsung Galaxy A16 cellphone and US$10 belonging to late Detective Constable Mackenzie Chitsowe while attending the officer's burial in Mt Darwin.
Cheuka appeared before Harare magistrate Nyaradzo Manokore, where he pleaded guilty to the charge.
The court initially sentenced him to 10 months in prison, but suspended six months for five years on condition of good behaviour. The remaining four months were suspended on condition that he completes 210 hours of community service.
According to prosecutors, the complainant in the matter is Detective Constable Chiramba, 36, stationed at CID Homicide in Harare.
Prosecutor Tinotenda Masimba told the court that on March 3, 2026, Detective Assistant Inspector George Pfidze gathered personal belongings belonging to the late Chitsowe, including a wallet containing US$30, police and national identity cards, a Samsung Galaxy A16 cellphone and a police notebook.
The items were placed in a plastic bag and entrusted to Detective Constable Wilberforce Chiramba for transportation to Rice Village under Chief Chiswiti in Mt Darwin for the burial.
Cheuka reportedly travelled in the same vehicle carrying mourners and allegedly stole the cellphone and US$10 during the journey before concealing the items.
The theft was discovered when Chiramba attempted to hand over the deceased officer's belongings to relatives upon arrival.
Investigations later traced the stolen cellphone to Cheuka, leading to his arrest on May 6 at the ZRP Harare Central car park.
Police said Detective Assistant Inspector Pfidze positively identified the recovered phone using its IMEI numbers.
The total value stolen was US$210, and the cellphone valued at US$200 was recovered.
Tobias Cheuka was convicted of theft after stealing a Samsung Galaxy A16 cellphone and US$10 belonging to late Detective Constable Mackenzie Chitsowe while attending the officer's burial in Mt Darwin.
Cheuka appeared before Harare magistrate Nyaradzo Manokore, where he pleaded guilty to the charge.
The court initially sentenced him to 10 months in prison, but suspended six months for five years on condition of good behaviour. The remaining four months were suspended on condition that he completes 210 hours of community service.
According to prosecutors, the complainant in the matter is Detective Constable Chiramba, 36, stationed at CID Homicide in Harare.
Prosecutor Tinotenda Masimba told the court that on March 3, 2026, Detective Assistant Inspector George Pfidze gathered personal belongings belonging to the late Chitsowe, including a wallet containing US$30, police and national identity cards, a Samsung Galaxy A16 cellphone and a police notebook.
Cheuka reportedly travelled in the same vehicle carrying mourners and allegedly stole the cellphone and US$10 during the journey before concealing the items.
The theft was discovered when Chiramba attempted to hand over the deceased officer's belongings to relatives upon arrival.
Investigations later traced the stolen cellphone to Cheuka, leading to his arrest on May 6 at the ZRP Harare Central car park.
Police said Detective Assistant Inspector Pfidze positively identified the recovered phone using its IMEI numbers.
The total value stolen was US$210, and the cellphone valued at US$200 was recovered.
Source - online
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