Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
A VILLAGE mechanic employed as a taxi driver allegedly stole his boss’s vehicle on the first day he was given the car to start work and later sold it.
Promise Musendo (32) of Chikuruwo Village, Gandanzara, under Chief Makoni, appeared before Rusape magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe, facing one count of theft of trust property as defined in a section of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, which makes it illegal to convert or sell an employer’s property or belongings under one’s custody.
Musendo, a self-employed mechanic, was not represented and pleaded guilty to selling a Toyota Raum valued at US$2 000 belonging to Mr Morgan Madimbu. Mr Mahwe convicted Musendo and sentenced him to 36 months’ imprisonment, suspending 12 months for five years on condition of good behaviour.
A further 12 months were set aside on condition of restitution, and the remaining 12 months were suspended on condition that Musendo performs 420 hours of community service.
Prosecutor Ms Faith Mutukwa told the court that Musendo vanished with the car on the day he was employed last year and was arrested this year after selling the vehicle through a local dealer.
“On September 26, 2025, Musendo approached Mr Madimbu at his place of residence in Sabhabha Village, Nyabadza, Rusape, looking for a job as a taxi driver,” Ms Mutukwa told the court.
“Mr Madimbu agreed to offer Mr Musendo the job and gave him a Toyota Raum vehicle registration number ADG 4023, silver in colour.
“Musendo and Mr Madimbu went into an agreement that Musendo will be paying Mr Madimbu US$100 per week. The accused person took the vehicle and never returned to the complainant with the cash or the vehicle. Musendo then looked for an agent only known by the name Majesa to help him sell the vehicle.
“On March 12, 2026, the complainant filed a report at the police, leading to the arrest of the accused person. The total value of the stolen vehicle was US$2 000 and is not yet recovered. The accused person acted unlawfully.”
