In a concerning turn of events, an 18-year-old man from Nyamhunga village in Nyanga has been convicted of theft. Benard Tambara was brought before the Nyanga Magistrates’ Court after stealing the wallet of a fellow villager.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the incident occurred on the 23rd of May 2024 at around 2300 hours. The complainant, 31-year-old Innocent Matovanyika, was drinking at the Nyamaropa Business Centre when the accused noticed that he had a significant amount of cash in his wallet. Taking advantage of Matovanyika’s intoxicated state, Tambara allegedly searched his pocket and stole the wallet, which contained US$615 and bank cards.
Tambara was said to have spent the stolen money on beer. The following morning, Matovanyika discovered that his wallet was missing and promptly reported the matter to the police. Investigations led to Tambara’s arrest on the same day the report was made, though the stolen money was never recovered.
The court found Tambara guilty of the theft charges. He was sentenced to 25 months in prison, with 6 months suspended on the condition of good behaviour. An additional 9 months were suspended on the condition that Tambara restitutes the stolen money, while the remaining 10 months were suspended on the condition that he completes 350 hours of community service.
