Man flees with phone after asking to take selfies

A Bulawayo man who allegedly borrowed a cellphone under the pretext of taking photographs and then disappeared with it has been sentenced to an effective six months in prison for theft.

Mthulisi Zikhali (30) of Nkulumane 10 appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube, where he was convicted of theft.

The court heard that on June 14 at around 9pm, Francis Tizora (27) was at Runrich Shopping Centre when Zikhali approached him and requested to borrow his cellphone to take some pictures.

According to prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu, Tizora agreed and handed over his Itel A50 cellphone, believing the request to be genuine.

However, instead of taking photographs and returning the device, Zikhali allegedly fled with the phone and never came back.

The court heard that tucked inside the back cover of the cellphone was US$45 in cash, bringing the total value of the stolen property to US$145.

Neither the cellphone nor the cash was recovered.

In sentencing, Magistrate Ncube imposed a 12-month prison term. Three months were suspended for five years on condition that Zikhali does not commit a similar offence during that period.

A further three months were suspended on condition that he restitutes the complainant US$145 on or before July 17.

As a result, Zikhali will serve an effective six-month prison sentence if he fails to breach the conditions attached to the suspended portions of the sentence.

The case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with lending personal belongings to strangers, even for seemingly harmless requests.