Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Court Writer
A 33-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man yesterday appeared in court facing charges of stealing a car belonging to a pirate taxi driver.
Brian Nduna Moyo (33) of Hillside suburb who appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Mark Dzira, was remanded in custody to January 20.
Through his lawyer, Mr Byron Sengweni, Moyo had applied for bail which was dismissed by Mr Dzira.
In denying him bail, Mr Dzira said there was overwhelming evidence linking Moyo to the offence and again there was no guarantee he would not abscond if released.
“The prosecution stated that the accused was found seated in the stolen vehicle and there is therefore overwhelming evidence that he committed the offence.
“It will therefore not be in the interests of justice to grant bail. The application is dismissed,” ruled Mr Dzira.
The State, represented by Ms Mufaro Ndirayire, told the court that the complainant, Mr Peter Mlalazi, who operates as a pirate taxi driver, was driving a blue Toyota Passo when he picked up Moyo and two other passengers near City Hall.
Moyo allegedly requested to be dropped off along the Bulawayo–Harare Road while the other two passengers said they were travelling to Burnside.
Upon reaching the Bulawayo–Harare Road, Moyo allegedly refused to disembark and became violent.
The complainant then drove to nearby premises to seek assistance from security personnel and left the vehicle idling as he went to ask for help.
“As the complainant approached the security guards, the accused moved to the driver’s seat and drove off at high speed. The other two passengers jumped out through the window and sustained minor injuries,” said Ms Ndirayire.
Two cellphones belonging to the complainant, which had been left inside the vehicle, were also stolen.
The matter was reported to the police leading to the arrest of Moyo.
