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Mashudu Mambo
IN a typical movie-style, a 28-year-old man from Pumula suburb in Bulawayo allegedly stole a vehicle from a car sale with the pretext of being a customer.
Patson Khumalo was arraigned before Bulawayo regional magistrate Joseph Mabeza, facing two charges of theft.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded in custody to Friday for continuation of trial.
Allegations against Khumalo are that on 23 May 2024, he approached Michael Shiri an employee at Motor Avenue Carsale in the pretext of being a customer who wanted to buy a Toyota Hilux double cab.
Khumalo was shown the vehicle and he started its engine while Shiri was looking for some water to clean the vehicle, and drove off.
The suspect went on to sell the vehicle to Kudakwashe Mapiye. Shiri reported the matter to the police and investigations were carried out, leading to the arrest of the culprit and the recovery of the stolen vehicle worth US$18 000.
On 15 October 2024 at around 7pm, Khumalo’s neighbour Irvine Moyo parked his silver Honda CRV outside the yard adjacent to his main gate. He secured the car and went inside the house.
After an hour, he went out and discovered that his vehicle had been stolen. He reported the matter to the police.
Investigations were carried out and police discovered that the spare keys of Moyo’s vehicle, which he lost on 5 October 2024, had been given to the suspect by an unidentified individual. This led to the arrest of the culprit, however, the vehicle valued at US$5 500 was not recovered.
Online Reporter