Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Court Writer
AN unlicensed Bulawayo man who allegedly stole a police officer’s Honda Fit outside Bulawayo Central Police Station, yesterday appeared in court facing multiple charges.
Talent Mpofu (27) of Entumbane suburb appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Ms Sibonginkosi Maphosa charged with car theft, driving without a valid licence and escaping from lawful custody. He was remanded in custody to November 11 for continuation of trial.
Prosecutor Ms Tsungirai Mutapi told the court that on October 31, the complainant, Constable Mashora of Bulawayo Central Police Station, parked his car, a Honda Fit at the centre parking area outside the station and locked it before reporting for duty.
“At around 6.30PM, the accused went to the complainant’s vehicle and used an unknown object to open the car and start the engine before driving off,” said Ms Mutapi.
Inside the car were, a T-shirt, black belt, sandals and a satchel belonging to Constable Mashora.
When Const Mashora knocked off duty, he discovered that his vehicle was missing. He immediately reported the theft.
Detectives from the Vehicle Theft Squad launched investigations leading to Mpofu’s arrest at his home. Mpofu later led detectives to Total Service Station near Western Commonage Police Station, where he had abandoned the car.
However, when detectives brought him back to Bulawayo Central Police Station, Mpofu allegedly escaped from the police courtyard despite being handcuffed.
He fled to his home.
“Upon arrival, his wife, with the help of a neighbour, unlocked the handcuffs. Mpofu then hid in the bedroom. Detectives followed him and found him hiding under the bed,” said Ms Mutapi.
In his defence, Mpofu claimed he committed the offence due to financial challenges.
Constable Mashora told the court that when his vehicle was recovered, its number plates had been replaced with a different set of plates.
He said when he was arrested, accused was wearing his T-shirt and sandals.
Const Mashora said when he discovered his vehicle missing, he was very distressed and the following day he hired a car and spent the whole day driving around looking for his car.
