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Court Reporter
A witness in the trial of former police detective Gilbert Zvaita (41) who acquired Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Rita Makarau’s registration book and later used in a car theft, told the court that the ex-policeman used the proper procedures in fraudulently getting the book.
CVR accountant Mr Tendai Livingstone Mubvumbi was testifying in the trial of Zvaita, suspected of using Justice Makarau’s registration book to cover up a vehicle theft.
Mubvumbi told the court that he found nothing suspicious when Zvaita approached his office for assistance purporting that he was sent by Justice Rita Makarau.
“The information that he had on the CVR4 form matched the vehicle registration number in the vehicle registration system. I was convinced that he was indeed sent by Justice Makarau because sometimes senior Government officials do not come in person to our offices for such services.
“I authorised that the registration book be processed and made sure that Zvaita attach his copy of identity document and sign for the registration book,” he said.
During cross examination Zvaita’s lawyer, Mr Benjamin Chidenga asked Mubvumbi to comment on the claim by Zvaita that he never spoke to him but one called Chinzvete.
“Zvaita left the registration number ABP7722 with Chinzvete who then retrieved all the information about Makarau’s vehicle.
“The accused wouldn’t ordinarily know where the vehicle was unless it was through your system,” he said.
In his response, Mubvumbi confirmed that Chinzvete was an employee of CVR responsible for writing the duplicate registration book but insisted that Zvaita approached him.
State led by prosecutor Mrs Kudzai Chigwedere called Detective Inspector Talent Chinowa as the next witness.
Det Insp Chinowa who is also the officer-in-charge of Vehicle Theft Squad told the court that when Zvaita presented him with intentions to clear Justice Makarau’s vehicle, he found nothing criminal and un-procedural about it.
“He came with a registration book and police report which entitled him to get a police clearance. He told me that he was sent by Justice Makarau.
“He also presented an insurance cover note to confirm that the vehicle was functional. This was procedurally done and nothing was criminal about it save the fact that he misrepresented that he was sent by Justice Makarau,” he said.
Regional magistrate Mr Hoseah Mujaya postponed the matter to October 16 for continuation.
Online Reporter