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Tendai Rupapa Senior Court Reporter
The trial of a suspected robber who used Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Rita Makarau’s registration book to cover up a vehicle theft opened yesterday.Gilbert Zvaita (41) who is a former police detective and was once stationed at vehicle theft squad, allegedly stole an Isuzu KB250 in Mutare.
Zvaita is facing two counts of vehicle theft and unlawful entry into premises. Prosecutor Mrs Kudzai Chigwedere yesterday led evidence from detective Sergeant Brian Mageta who is the investigating officer.
Detective Sgt Mageta told the court that Zvaita was arrested in Chitungwiza while driving the stolen Isuzu which had been affixed with Justice Makarau’s registration number plates.
He said upon checking the car, they discovered that the chasis number was registered in the complainant’s name, Tichaona Zishiri.
“The accused managed to obtain a duplicate registration book after misrepresenting to Central Vehicle Registry officials that he had been sent by Justice Makarau,” said Det Sgt Mageta.
“They had stolen her registration number plates from her car which was parked at a garage after an accident. He also managed to get clearance from VTS after misrepresenting to the officials using Justice Makarau’s name.”
In his defence outline, 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.
However during cross-examination by Zvaita’s lawyer, Mr Benjamin Chidenga, Det Sgt Mageta disputed Zvaita’s claims on the basis that he knew the procedures at VTS since he once worked there.
“Your worship, why he used Justice Makarau’s name boggles the mind. He is saying that he was just used by Mrs Magwenji, why then did he use Justice Makarau’s name? This shows that they were working in cahoots,” said Det Sgt Mageta in response to the lawyer’s questions.
He said Zvaita was conversant with the law and procedures which are followed at VTS hence he should have confirmed with the offices first to verify the origins of the vehicle.
“He used the big name to scare the officials,” said the witness. Justice Makarau is expected to testify in court against Zvaita.
The trial continues today before regional magistrate Mr Hosea Mujaya.
Mrs Chigwedere alleges that on February 28, Zvishiri left his house secured, before Zvaita and his accomplices, Golden Magwenju and Joseph Makanuka, who are now both deceased, broke into Zvishiri’s house in Mutare.
They allegedly broke the kitchen door and gained entry before ransacking the whole house. It is further alleged that some of the property they stole included a 40 inch TV, home theatre, various clothes and cellphones.
They allegedly took Mr Zvishiri’s car keys and drove off in his Isuzu KB250 after loading the loot. On June 5, it is said Zvaita went to Southerton police station where he reported that registration book of the vehicle which belongs to Justice Makarau were lost in the CBD.
After making the alleged misrepresentation, it is said Zvaita obtained a lost property list form, the ZRP Form 162 with Lost Property Book Reference number 356/13 and went to CID Vehicle Theft Squad where he obtained a clearance CVR 4 form.
Zvaita is alleged to have used the CVR 4 form to apply for a duplicate registration book and new number plates at CVR. It is the State’s case that he was issued with new registration plates ACX891 in Justice Makarau’s name and he affixed the number plates on the car they had stolen from Mr Zvishiri who lost property valued at US$45 000.
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