Cellphone thief sentenced to 3 years
ALEXANDRA - An Alex man was saved the loss of a brand new R500 worthy cell phone by the public which apprehended the thief who the victim unknowingly saw being chased down the street.
An Alex man, Sylvester Ndlovu, was recently sentenced to three years in prison for theft and housebreaking by the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard that between 7am and 10.30am on 19 February, the 20-year-old suspect broke into the victim’s house on 15th Avenue and stole a cellphone.
The victim said he had left his room locked to go play games at his friend’s shop nearby at about 7am. Then, around 11am, the victim saw a group of people chasing the suspect along the street next to the shop. Among them was one of his friends who, when asked what was happening, told the victim that they were chasing Ndlovu who had broken into his house.
Instead of joining the chase, the victim rushed to his house to find the door forced open, his clothes strewn all over and his cellphone missing. Meanwhile, community members apprehended the accused and handed him over to police officers.
The cellphone, said to be the only item stolen, was recovered and returned to the victim.
