An 18-year-old woman from Chinotimba surbub, Victoria Falls, has been sentenced for theft after stealing a passenger’s phone on a taxi in Hwange.
Diana Dube appeared before the Hwange Magistrates’ Court, where she was convicted of taking a gold iPhone 13, valued at around US$550, from a fellow passenger.
The court heard that on 29 January 2026, the 27-year-old victim boarded a taxi along Mukwa Drive Road, heading for the bus rank. Dube was among the passengers.
The victim fell asleep during the journey and inadvertently dropped the phone onto the seat. Upon disembarking, Dube allegedly picked up the device and left the scene.
Police detectives in Victoria Falls received information on 10 February 2026 that Dube was attempting to sell a suspected stolen phone. She was promptly arrested and led officers to the recovery of the device.
Dube was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, with three months suspended for five years on the condition that she completes 105 hours of community service.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reminded the public that theft remains a serious offence, and appealed to citizens to safeguard their valuables, especially when using public transport or visiting entertainment areas.
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