Duo in court for stealing Government vehicle

Yeukai Karengezeka-Court Correspondent

Two men appeared in court yesterday, facing charges of stealing a Government vehicle from the central business district (CBD) with the alleged intent to repair and resell it.

Peace Batanai Tsara (26) and Norman Muyambiri (23) were charged with theft of a motor vehicle before Harare Magistrate Mrs Tilda Mazhande.

The court advised the suspects to apply for bail at the High Court, with their next court appearance scheduled for January 31.

The complainant in the case is the Government represented by Mr Desire Zanhi, a deputy director.

According to prosecutor Ms Mercy Masamvi, a Government-owned red Mazda B2200 SDX truck broke down in 2022 and was parked at Cecil House Parking Bay along Jason Moyo Avenue in Harare.

On August 19, around 3pm, the informant locked the vehicle, closed its windows, and left it at the parking bay.

However, later that evening, around 8pm, the accused allegedly hired a tow truck to remove the vehicle.

The complainant discovered the theft the following morning and reported it to the police.

On January 12, detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad (CID VTS) in Harare received information that led to the arrest of Tsara and Muyambiri.

The suspects then directed the detectives to a house in New Tafara, Mabvuku, where the stolen vehicle was hidden.

Authorities found evidence that the vehicle was being prepared for repainting in an attempt to disguise its original appearance.

The complainant was invited to the CID VTS office, where he positively identified the vehicle using its chassis and engine numbers.

The stolen vehicle, valued at US$3 000, was successfully recovered in its entirety.