Ouagadougou: The Ouaga I High Court investigated a series of cases on Friday, focusing on a housewife accused of stealing two mobile phones. The Public Prosecutor has recommended an 18-month prison sentence, including 12 months to be served, as well as a fine of 500,000 CFA francs, due to her prior criminal record.

According to Burkina Information Agency, evidence presented during the hearing indicated that the defendant, CM, born in 1981, allegedly stole a Tecno and an Infinix mobile phone in July 2026. CM admitted to taking one phone from a residence and the other from a restaurant, citing the need to cover her sick child's medical expenses as her motive. She explained that she sold the phones for 30,000 CFA francs to pay for a necessary blood transfusion for her child, finding a buyer near the main market.

Throughout the court proceedings, CM, a 45-year-old mother of three, remained wrapped in a loincloth, appearing to protect herself. She testified about her lack of support from her deceased husband's family, which she claimed had driven her to theft previously, resulting in a six-month prison sentence last year.

The prosecutor pointed out inconsistencies in CM's statements, noting that she initially denied any previous convictions. It was during the court session that she disclosed her past offenses, having been on police records since 2013 for similar crimes. The prosecution expressed skepticism over CM's explanations, highlighting her familiarity with the process of selling stolen phones.

The prosecutor called for an 18-month sentence with 12 months to be served and a fine, emphasizing the need for accountability. CM, tearful, apologized to the court, vowing to change her ways. The court has adjourned the case for further deliberation, with a decision expected on September 18th.