Corpun file 19119

Sunday Mail, Harare, 29 April 2007

Love of cellphones earns juvenile two canes

By Blessing Katsande

A 17-YEAR-OLD teenager from Kuwadzana appeared before a Mbare magistrate, Ms Jesca Kufa, facing two counts of theft.

It is the State's case that on April 6 2007, the accused allegedly went to Tendayi Ndiraya's place in Kuwadzana 1 and stole a Nokia cellphone and a line worth $900 000. He is said to have pretended to be thirsty and entered the house asking for a glass of water.

The following day, he allegedly went to Rutendo Mukabeta's place and did the same thing, taking with him another Nokia phone with a line worth the same amount.

The accused left when the complainant was busy fetching water in the kitchen for him to drink.

The teenager pleaded guilty to both counts and was sentenced to receive two moderate strokes of the cane at Harare Central Remand Prison.

Nothing was recovered.