Joy ride culprit acquitted

Sheillah Mapani Herald Reporter
Harare magistrate Ms Annia Ndiraya last week acquitted a Harare man who took a Honda Fit he was supposed to test drive, for a joy ride to Gweru.

Ms Ndiraya ruled that the State failed to prove a prima facie case against him.

Roy Marimbe (36) was facing theft charges or alternatively use of a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

In his defence, Marimbe indicated in court that he hired the motor vehicle from Godwill Mandizvidza so that he could go about his business, including visiting Kwekwe, which is his home town and subsequently Gweru which is a neighbouring town.

He further told the court that he failed to return the motor vehicle to Mandizvidza because it had developed a mechanical fault and could not be driven back to Harare on time.

Marimbe said that it was only upon his arrest that he realised that Mandizvidza was not the owner of the car and had reported the case to the police to cover up for hiring the car out without the real owner’s consent.

Allegations were that on January 31, Marimbe went to Elegance Car Sale in Harare. He took a Honda Fit — registration number ADS 9071 — from Mandizvidza for a test drive.

The court heard that he was supposed to return the vehicle on the same day. It was alleged that Marimbe went on a journey to Kwekwe and Gweru without Mandizvidza’s consent.

Marimbe allegedly switched off his mobile phone. He was arrested at his house following a tip-off.