BULAWAYO – A 23-year-old man from Pumula North in Bulawayo has found himself in serious trouble with the law after a violent outburst fuelled by jealousy and a demand for his girlfriend’s phone password. Francis Matutu now understands that love cannot be built on suspicion, punches, and public disturbances.
Matutu appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Themba Chimiso, a stark contrast to his earlier rage, as he faced assault and theft charges. The incident, which began over a simple request for a cellphone password, has landed him in custody awaiting sentencing on 9 January.
The state, represented by prosecutor Tumeli Hindoga, detailed the events that led to Matutu’s arrest. On 28 November 2025, at approximately 7PM, Matutu demanded that his girlfriend, Mpho Nyegera, a nurse aide, unlock her phone. Nyegera’s refusal to surrender her privacy triggered a violent reaction from Matutu.
Driven by jealousy and a desire to control, Matutu allegedly seized Nyegera’s cellphone and threw it against a wall, shattering the device. The damage to the phone was estimated at US$120.
The situation escalated nearly a month later, on 26 December 2025, around 4PM. The couple encountered each other at Hawkers Pub in Bulawayo. What began as a chance meeting quickly devolved into another public confrontation.
According to the prosecution, Matutu snatched Nyegera’s handbag, which contained an Itel cellphone and cash. The total value of the stolen items was US$140. He then fled the scene.
When Nyegera confronted him and demanded the return of her belongings, Matutu allegedly responded with physical violence. He is accused of repeatedly assaulting her with open hands all over her body, as horrified onlookers witnessed the scene.
None of the stolen items have been recovered. The court heard how Matutu’s obsession with his girlfriend’s cellphone led to the initial act of violence, with the subsequent encounter at the pub resulting in theft and further assault.
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