Man gets 8-year sentence for faking disability
Benjamin Mutambanengwe, a 38-year-old Zimbabwean has been sentenced to eight years in prison after faking a disability to steal from healthcare workers in a calculated crime spree.
Mutambanengwe who hails from Chitungwiza, 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.
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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