Chinotimba woman sentenced for stealing an iPhone

A taxi nap turned into a criminal record after a dropped iPhone landed an 18-year-old in court and on community service duty.

Taxi theft case in Hwange

• Diana Dube from Chinotimba suburb in Victoria Falls faced Hwange Magistrates Court.
• The court convicted Dube of swiping a gold iPhone 13 worth about US$550.
• The incident traces back to 29 January 2026 on Mukwa Drive Road.
• The victim, aged 27, had dozed off en route to the bus rank.

Arrest and phone recovery

• Detectives in Victoria Falls got a tip on 10 February 2026.
• Information pointed to Dube trying to offload a suspected stolen phone.
• Officers detained her and retrieved the device.
• Police secured the iPhone after her lead.

Sentence and public warning

• Magistrates handed Dube six months behind bars.
• Three months were suspended for five years.
• The condition requires 105 hours of community service.
• The National Prosecuting Authority urged commuters to guard their valuables.