Wednesday, October 22, 2025 - A 38-year-old man from Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after faking a disability to steal from healthcare workers in a calculated crime spree.
Benjamin Mutambanengwe was convicted on eight counts of
unlawful entry under aggravating circumstances following a full trial presided
over by Harare magistrate Blessing Mafukidze.
The court heard that Mutambanengwe’s elaborate scheme
involved using crutches to pretend he was physically disabled, a deception
that allowed him to gain sympathy, trust, and access to restricted areas in
hospitals and clinics. Once inside, he stole valuable items, including laptops
and mobile phones, from doctors and nurses who were busy attending to patients.
His crimes came to light after a key incident at Health
Point Hospital in Harare on September 9 of the previous year. According to
court testimony, a doctor had locked his office before rushing out to handle an
emergency. Seizing the opportunity, Mutambanengwe posed as a patient in
distress and slipped into the room, stealing a Pro Book laptop.
“The complainant returned later and noticed that his laptop
was missing. He then reviewed the CCTV footage and observed the convict
carrying his laptop,” the investigating officer told the court.
The CCTV footage became a turning point in the
investigation, capturing Mutambanengwe in the act and revealing his method of
exploiting compassion to commit theft.
The State prosecutor described his conduct as “calculated
and ruthless,” saying, “The convict entered the premise pretending as a visitor
and went to the reception where he stole the cell phone that was on the table
and went away.”
With his eight-year sentence, the Harare Magistrates’ Court
made it clear that exploiting the goodwill of healthcare workers, especially
those serving the sick and vulnerable, will not be tolerated. The ruling
serves as a stern warning to others who may seek to prey on compassion for
criminal gain.
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