‘Car dealer’ on the run

Crime Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched a manhunt for a Harare man who allegedly sold a vehicle with a forged registration book bearing the buyer’s name. Regis Tapera (40) was a salesperson at a car sale. Tapera imported the vehicle from South Africa bearing the neighbouring country’s registration number plates on a Temporary Import Permit (TIP).

Criminal Investigations Department spokesperson Detective Assistant Inspector Portia Chinho confirmed the development.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Vehicle Theft Squad is appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of Regis Tapera, aged 40 years, who is wanted for a case of forgery which occurred sometime in January 2011 at a local car sale, Harare.

“The suspect’s last known address is No. 3627, Manyame Park, Chitungwiza,” she said.

She said Tapera was a salesperson at a local car sale and sometime in 2011 he imported a vehicle from South Africa with registration number plates on a TIP. He is alleged to have removed the number plates and displayed the vehicle for sale at the car sale.

“On January 8, 2011, the suspect sold the motor vehicle without number plates and then connived with his accomplice to forge the registration book bearing the complainant’s name and registration number plates, which were removed from another motor vehicle.

“The offence came to light when the motor vehicle was impounded by detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad.

The registration number plates did not match the motor vehicle in question, leading to the arrest of the suspect and his accomplice,” said Detective Asst Insp Chinho.

Tapera and his accomplice were taken to court where they were remanded out of custody. They later absconded the court and a warrant of arrest was issued. The complainant lost 31 000 rands.

Anyone with information on Tapera’s whereabouts can contact CID VTS on (0242) 665524, Detective Sergeant Mavhenyengwa on 0774043060, Complaints Desk on (04) 703631 or any nearest police station.