Danisa Masuku [email protected]
THREE Botswana nationals who allegedly stole a car in the neighbouring country and illegally entered Zimbabwe have appeared in court.
David Mofele (56), Michael Mogome (48) and Okamtse Thabang Situlo (41) appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Patience Ururu on Saturday, facing charges of theft of a motor vehicle and contravening the Immigration Act.
The complainant in this matter is Dabona Sekebola, a 35-year-old woman residing in Molepolole, Botswana.
Mofele resides in Sikwane Village, Mathubudukwane, Botswana, while Mogome resides in Molepolole, Botswana. Situlo resides in Ramotswa, Botswana.
All the accused persons were not legally represented and were remanded in custody to 9 November 2026. They were advised of their right to engage a lawyer at their own cost and to apply for bail at the Bulawayo High Court.
Prosecuting, Ms Hazel Ncube told the court that on 19 October this year in Molepolole, Botswana, the complainant parked a black Honda Fit, chassis number GP1 1114423, engine number L15A51114453, registration number B 99 BZA at her house and retired to bed.
“The accused persons conspired to steal a black Honda Fit. They entered the complainant’s premises and used unknown means to start the car and drove away,” said Ms Ncube.
Ms Ncube told the court that on 20 October this year, the accused drove the motor vehicle from Botswana and entered Zimbabwe illegally.
A report was made to the police. The accused persons were arrested in Bulawayo.
The court heard that the stolen motor vehicle, valued at US$6 000, was recovered.
On the second count, the complainant is the State, represented by a police detective from Bulawayo CID Homicide.
The State also alleges that on 23 October this year, shortly after 3pm at Rockhaven Lodge, Burnside, the accused persons were arrested for selling a stolen motor vehicle.
Ms Ncube told the court that upon verification, it was discovered that the accused persons were foreigners without proper documentation authorising them to stay in Zimbabwe.
The accused persons had no right to stay or remain in Zimbabwe without proper documentation.
