Three Years For iTel Phone Robbery: Zimbabweans Say ‘Justice Not Balanced’
A 28-year-old man from Chikanga, Mutare, has been sentenced to five years behind bars—three of which are effective—for robbing a victim of an iTel P36 cellphone worth just US$80 (approx. R1,480).
Jackson Chabuda appeared before the Mutare Magistrates’ Court following a June 20, 2025 incident at the AFM bus stop in Hobhouse, Mutare, where he grabbed his victim by the collar and forcibly removed the phone from his trouser pocket. The phone was later recovered after the victim managed to apprehend Chabuda and escorted him to the police.
Despite the full recovery of the stolen property, Chabuda was convicted of robbery and handed a five-year jail term. Two years were suspended, leaving him to serve an effective sentence of three years.
“The Mutare Magistrates’ Court has convicted a 28-year-old man, Jackson Chabuda, for robbery,”
— National Prosecuting Authority Bulletin, 15 July 2025
Not About The Value—It’s About The Force
Though some social media users were shocked by the harshness of the sentence for an $80 phone, the issue at hand was not the monetary value but the nature of the offence.
According to Zimbabwean law, robbery is distinctly different from theft. Robbery involves the use or threat of violence during the commission of the crime, while theft does not.
“Robbery is a more serious offence because it involves force. The court viewed the use of violence in this matter seriously,”
— Legal analyst, speaking anonymously [I cannot verify this]
Under Section 126 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23], robbery is considered a serious criminal offence, punishable by custodial sentences—even when the property involved is of relatively low value.
A Tale Of Two Sentences
Chabuda’s sentence has reignited debate over sentencing consistency in Zimbabwe’s justice system. Comparisons have been drawn to a separate high-profile case from June 2025, involving a fatal road accident in Chinhoyi.
In that case, a 20-year-old unlicensed driver received just 360 hours of community service after knocking down five pedestrians—killing one and injuring four—while driving an unroadworthy Honda Fit and fleeing the scene.
“Five people, one dead, four injured. Driving without a licence. Fled the scene. The sentence is 360 hrs of community service. Do we still hold life as sacred?”
— @Logan67188064 on X
The contrast between Chabuda’s sentence for robbing a phone and the suspended sentence in the fatal crash has fuelled online frustration.
“Someone who stole $5 got 4 years in jail. This guy killed someone, fled, had no licence and still walks free. Make it make sense,”
— @Masitholee1
Others expressed disbelief at the priorities of the courts:
“Vana vatove nherera just like that (The children are now orphans just like that),”
— @KingLibertyZim
Legal experts say the apparent disparity points to broader issues in sentencing policy and judicial discretion.
Justice System Under Scrutiny
The public outrage stems from concerns that Zimbabwean courts are issuing stiff penalties for petty crimes, while appearing lenient on cases involving loss of life.
Another comparison was made to Zimdancehall star Chillmaster (real name Gift Hombarume), who also escaped jail time earlier this year after being convicted of culpable homicide in the death of a 50-year-old pedestrian. He was ordered to do community service and provide support to the deceased’s family.
“This proves that driving without a licence is not much of a big deal in Zimbabwe. It’s pathetic,”
— @BaBrayden2
The broader fear is that such lenient sentencing in fatal accidents sends a dangerous message to would-be offenders.
“So now you only get sentenced for the death you caused. UNLICENSED DRIVER. NO PENALTY???”
— @locust2263
Chabuda’s three-year jail term for a forcibly taken phone contrasts sharply with the minimal penalties imposed on drivers who have taken lives. While the courts insist each case is judged on its own merits, public confidence in the system appears shaken.
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The post Mutare Man Jailed 3 Years Over US$80 iTel Phone While Killers Get Community Service appeared first on iHarare News.
