adminTimoth Makohliso Midlands Reporter
A man from Mazambani village under Chief Madhlangove in Chivi was yesterday sentenced to 13 years for stealing a car. Henry Chinyakata, 30, who was convicted of theft of a motor vehicle by Gweru regional magistrate Morgan Nemadire, had first pleaded guilty but later changed his plea. Nemadire however found him guilty and sentenced him to 13 years in prison without the option of a fine.
Prosecuting, Kudzai Mutezo told the court that on July 9 this year the complainant Thamsanqa Magidhivani parked his Toyota Corolla at Uptown Nite Spot in Zvishavane Town.
Chinyakata was in the company of his accomplice, Tawanda Makumbe.
He saw the ignition keys in the vehicle and opened the door and drove away.
Chinyakata and Makumbe drove to Gweru where they were involved in an accident with the stolen vehicle.
After the accident, Makumbe ran away leaving Chinyakata alone.
Chinyakata was later arrested by the police and the damaged stolen vehicle was recovered.
derick.khumalo