A 23-year-old man from Bulawayo has appeared in court after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and stealing her belongings following disputes linked to her cellphone password.
Francis Matutu of Pumula North is facing assault and theft charges after incidents involving his girlfriend, Mpho Nyegera, a nurse aide. The court heard that Matutu became aggressive after demanding access to her cellphone, insisting on checking it to confirm whether she was being unfaithful.
According to the prosecution, the first incident occurred on 28 November 2025 at around 7pm when Nyegera declined to share her phone password, citing her right to privacy. The refusal reportedly angered Matutu, who allegedly grabbed the phone and smashed it against a wall, destroying it.
Tensions between the pair resurfaced weeks later on 26 December 2025 at Hawkers Pub in Bulawayo. The court was told that Matutu allegedly took Nyegera’s handbag, which contained an Itel cellphone and cash, and fled the scene. When she confronted him and demanded her property back, he is accused of physically assaulting her in full view of other patrons.
The value of the damaged phone from the first incident was estimated at US$120, while the items allegedly stolen during the second incident were valued at US$140. None of the property has been recovered.
Matutu appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Themba Chimiso, where he was remanded in custody pending sentencing. The case has drawn attention to issues of domestic violence and personal privacy within relationships, with authorities continuing to urge members of the public to resolve disputes without resorting to violence.
