Moffat Mungazi
Fidelis Chavarike
Post Reporter
A MUTARE man who broke into a parked car and attacked the driver before stealing his wallet and phone has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment after being convicted of theft.
Victor Tatanga (36) of Dangamvura appeared before Mutare magistrate Mr Mupeyiwa, facing charges of contravening Section 113 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
Prosecutor MrThom Nyatsuro outlined that on an unspecified date in 2024, at around 1am Nillan Makuwa (41) parked his car and fell asleep along Herbert Chitepo Street in Mutare’s Centra Business District when Tatanga approached the vehicle armed with a knife.
“Tatanga opened the closed car door, cut the complainant’s trousers pocket and stole a brown wallet containing US$150 and a Samsung phone. When Makuwa woke up and tried to fend off the accused, the assailant threatened to stab him. Tatanga also stole the complainant’s flask, a two-litre juice, car modulator and a flash,” said Mr Nyatsuro.
The court heard that Tatanga hid in a vehicle at a city garage, where he was later found after Makuwa made a follow-up with police officers.
Police managed to recover the phone, US$60 and the knife used during the attack.
Mr Mupeyiwa sentenced Tatanga to 18 months in jail, with 10 months suspended on condition that he performs 350 hours of community service at Dangamvura Police Station.
A further six months were also suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar crime in the next five years, while the remaining two months were also suspended if Tatanga pays US$140 in restitution.
The stolen property, valued at US$1 860 has not all been recovered.
Online Reporter