adminCourt Reporter
Former police detective Gilbert Zvaita who acquired a vehicle registration book belonging to Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Rita Makarau and used it to process a stolen car has been found guilty of theft and will be sentenced today.
Zvaita (41) was facing two counts of vehicle theft and unlawful entry into premises. Magistrate Mr Hoseah Mujaya acquitted Zvaita on unlawful entry charges but convicted him of the theft charges.
The State led by prosecutor Mrs Kudzai Chigwedere closed its case after leading evidence from at least five witnesses and Mr Mujaya ruled that Zvaita had a case to answer and was put on his defence.
Zvaita who was once stationed at vehicle theft squad, was given a chance to call his witness before he was convicted for the theft of an Isuzu KB250 which was found with number plates registered to Justice Makarau.
It emerged in court that Justice Makarau’s registration number plates and duplicate registration book were obtained by Zvaita after he lied to Central Vehicle Registry officials that he was sent by her.
Testifying in court detective Sgt Brian Mageta said upon checking the car, they discovered that the chasis number was registered in the name of Tichaona Zishiri. Zvaita was arrested in Chitungwiza while driving the stolen Isuzu.
In his defence, Zvaita denied the charges arguing that he was only sent by one Mrs Magwenji who is on the run to acquire new registration plates and registration book.
Mrs Chigwedere told the court that on February 28, Mr Zvishiri left his house in Mutare. The house was broken into and among the stolen items were the keys to the Isuzu KB250.
On June 5, Zvaita went to Southerton police station where he reported that the registration book of the vehicle which belongs to Justice Makarau was lost in the CBD.
Online Reporter