By Takudziridzwa Nyama
Washington Hlongwane (18) was convicted and sentenced to four months in prison for a robbery that took place at Malaxo Night Club in Mashavire Business Centre early on May 7, 2025.
According to court reports, the incident occurred around midnight when both the victim and the offender were at a gambling site.
Hlongwane approached the victim and accused him of stealing his cellphone. He demanded that the victim produce all his belongings as proof, and the victim complied. However, Hlongwane forcibly took a black VIVO Y27 cellphone valued at ZWG2500 from the victim.
When the victim demanded his phone back, Hlongwane responded violently, striking him with a chair on the back and hitting him on the head with a bottle before fleeing the scene.
The victim reported the assault to the police, leading to an investigation that resulted in Hlongwane’s arrest.
In court, Hlongwane was sentenced to six months in prison. One month of his sentence was suspended for five years on condition he restitutes the value of the stolen cellphone.
He is also required to serve four months behind bars, with one month suspended.