20-point former head boy linked to 16-car thefts

HE was once the pride of his high school; a Head Boy, church elder and brilliant student who scored an impressive 20 points at Advanced Level.

Almost a decade later, Keith Sibanda is a fugitive wanted by police in connection with the alleged theft of 16 vehicles valued at US$161 500.

Sibanda, of Mahatshula North in Bulawayo, allegedly targeted private vehicle owners and car hire companies, taking advantage of the trust placed in him to obtain vehicles before allegedly selling them or using them as collateral for loans.

Police say the alleged offences occurred between June last year and July this year, with investigations continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged vehicle disposals.
Sibanda completed his secondary education at a church-owned boarding school in Matabeleland South, where former classmates remember him as an intelligent and respected student.

A former classmate, who requested anonymity, described Sibanda as a model learner who was not afraid to challenge authority when he believed he was right.

“Keith was a very intelligent and kind character who has always been reputable in positions of authority. A very straightforward gentleman of high aura who managed to challenge high authority,” said the former classmate.
He said Sibanda was also an accomplished public speaker and held leadership positions at the school.

“He was our Head Boy for the year 2016, a church elder as well who scored 20 points at A-Level. I don’t know what then came into him to become what he is now suspected to have done,” he said.

Another former schoolmate, who attended both primary and secondary school with Sibanda, described him as exceptionally intelligent.

“We went to the same Primary and High School. Keith was very smart. I’ll leave it there,” wrote the former schoolmate, who uses the name Gugue Sunshine on Facebook.
Ntobeko Ncube, also believed to have attended the same school with Sibanda, recalled him as a quiet student who was gifted in preaching.

“He used to be so quiet at school, I’m sure he was plotting,” Ncube commented on Facebook as the allegations generated debate on social media.
Sibanda is now being sought by police, who have appealed to members of the public with information on his whereabouts to come forward.

Investigators are also working to trace the vehicles allegedly disposed of by Sibanda and establish whether other people were involved in the alleged scheme.
Police are particularly interested in determining whether other individuals assisted in selling the vehicles, accepting them as collateral or facilitating changes to ownership particulars.

The case has also raised concerns over security measures used by private vehicle owners and car hire companies when releasing vehicles to clients.

A Bulawayo-based car hire company has offered a reward for information leading to Sibanda’s arrest.
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist in locating the suspect or recovering the outstanding vehicles to contact them.