Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
A SUSPECTED car thief, who allegedly stole a motorist’s vehicle after posing as a passenger, targeted the same man again— nearly two weeks later.
This time, though, Zivanai Chikombe (30), could not succeed in stealing the car after the motorist fought back. Yesterday, Chikombe appeared in court facing robbery charges and was remanded in custody to October 11. The State alleges that Chikombe’s luck ran out on Saturday when he approached the motorist at Overspill Shopping Centre in Epworth and asked to be driven to Munyuki.
Unknown to him, the motorist allegedly recognised him as the man who had robbed him of his vehicle, cellphone and cash on August 23. Instead of raising alarm, the motorist agreed to take him and charged US$10 for the trip.After travelling some distance, Chikombe allegedly asked him to stop and claimed that he only had US$5.
He then allegedly grabbed the steering wheel in an attempt to take control of the vehicle, triggering a struggle.
The State alleges that Chikombe’s accomplices appeared during the scuffle and threatened to damage the vehicle if its doors were not opened.
This time, however, other motorists came to the driver’s rescue and apprehended Chikombe before handing him over to police at ZRP Epworth.
The arrest brought to an end a bizarre sequence of events that had begun at the same shopping centre on August 23.
On that day, the motorist was parked at Overspill Shopping Centre at around 12.30am waiting for passengers when Chikombe allegedly approached and asked to be driven to an area known as Auction. They initially agreed on a US$4 fare, which Chikombe allegedly negotiated down to US$3.
After travelling some distance, Chikombe allegedly claimed he only had US$2 and the driver agreed to accept it. The State alleges Chikombe then forced the motorist to stop the car before striking him on the head with a bottle. When he allegedly attempted to strike him again, the motorist blocked the blow.
Chikombe allegedly produced a knife and attempted to stab the motorist. However, the motorist fought back.Chikombe’s accomplices then arrived at the crime scene.The motorist fled, leaving behind his car, a Samsung M05 cellphone and US$60 cash.
Chikombe allegedly drove away in the vehicle.
