A routine visit to Mbabane Government Hospital took a criminal turn for Owethu Mhlongo, who has been sentenced for stealing a fellow patient’s mobile phone.
Court records show that Mhlongo was admitted to the hospital for treatment when he spotted another patient’s Nokia C10 and took it without permission. Hospital staff quickly reported the theft, and security officers apprehended Mhlongo before he could leave the premises.
During his appearance at the Mbabane Magistrates Court, Mhlongo pleaded guilty to the charge of theft. The magistrate sentenced him to two years in prison or an alternative fine of E2,000.
“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 stated, emphasising the particularly serious nature of theft within healthcare settings.
The victim, who relied on the phone to communicate with family during his treatment, expressed relief at the swift resolution. “It was not just a phone; it was my only way of speaking to my children while in hospital,” he said.
The case highlights the importance of safeguarding personal belongings in medical facilities, where patients are often vulnerable and dependent on access to communication devices. Hospital authorities confirmed that security protocols are being reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Legal analysts note that the sentence reflects the judiciary’s stance on protecting public trust in institutions and deterring opportunistic crimes in sensitive environments. The swift handling of the case has been cited as a signal to the public that criminal behaviour, even within hospitals, will face serious consequences.
Mhlongo now faces the choice of serving the custodial sentence or paying the court-imposed fine, underlining the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining order and protecting patients’ rights in healthcare settings.
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