By A Correspondent- A Mbare man was yesterday knocked down by a car at the New Government Complex while trying to escape with a stolen iPhone 7.

The incident occurred at corner Simon Muzenda Street and Central Avenue, attracting the attention of passers-by.

Identified as Tatenda Bhirindewere, the man snatched the cellphone from an unidentified woman’s hand and tried to escape but was hit by an on coming car.

Tatenda was taken by the police but later escaped again when they arrived at New Government Complex and was chased by the mob again.

Efforts to get comments from the victim were fruitless as the woman was still in shock.

Onlookers said Tatenda was not alone as he had other gang members that were prepared to help him steal the cellphone.

“We noticed the boys from afar but did not think that they were going to steal at such an open place but little did we know that he had other plans.

“The woman was on her phone and Tatenda came from behind and snatched the phone from the woman,” said an onlooker only identified as Ben.

Another witness named BaMaka said Tatenda was not beaten by anyone but jumped on to an on coming car trying to escape.

“No one touched Tatenda, people only stopped him from escaping with the lady’s cellphone, the guy wanted an iPhone 7 that the woman had.

“Those blood stains on his shirt are a result of being hit by the car as he tried to escape.”

-StateMedia