Patient Sentenced for theft of mobile phone

At the Mbabane Government Hospital, what began as a medical visit ended in criminal charges for Owethu
Mhlongo, who was convicted of stealing a fellow patient’s mobile phone.

Court documents state that Mhlongo had checked into the hospital for treatment. While in the ward, he noticed
another patient’s Nokia C10 and decided to take it. The theft was quickly reported, and hospital staff alerted security
officers, who apprehended Mhlongo before he could leave the premises.

Appearing before the Mbabane Magistrates Court, Mhlongo pleaded guilty to the charge of theft. The magistrate
sentenced him to two years in prison or a fine of E2,000.

In handing down the sentence, the magistrate stressed that theft in hospitals was particularly disruptive, as patients
are already vulnerable.

“Hospitals are meant to be places of healing. Acts of theft not only harm victims materially but also undermine trust
in public institutions,” the court noted.

The complainant, who had relied on the phone to keep in contact with family members during treatment, welcomed
the swift handling of the case.

“It was not just a phone it was my only way of speaking to my children while in hospital,” he said.