Zvikomborero Parafini
A 39-year-old Harare man has appeared in court facing two counts of motor vehicle theft after allegedly using forged identity documents to steal two vehicles, including one hired from a car rental business.
Innocent Mavhuto Chikayikayi appeared before Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova facing charges of theft of motor vehicles.
The State alleges that Chikayikayi used fake national identity cards, driver’s licences and vehicle registration books to facilitate the theft and attempted sale of the vehicles.
In the first incident, which allegedly occurred on November 4, Chikayikayi is accused of conniving with Sonia Kamambo, who is already on remand, to steal a Honda Fit belonging to Tatenda Hope Zangure.
According to the State, Chikayikayi allegedly manufactured a fake national identity card and driver’s licence bearing Kamambo’s photograph but carrying the name Faith Ndlovu.
He allegedly handed the forged documents to Kamambo and instructed her to hire the Honda Fit from its owner.
After obtaining the vehicle, Chikayikayi allegedly manufactured a fake registration book and identity card in the name of the registered owner, Mupunga Kelvin Tinashe.
He is further accused of preparing a fraudulent agreement of sale between Faith Ndlovu and Mupunga before instructing Kamambo to sell the vehicle.
The Honda Fit, valued at US$12 000, was subsequently recovered.
In the second incident, which allegedly occurred on November 6, Chikayikayi hired a black Nissan Note from Gift Gate for five days.
He allegedly paid US$400, comprising US$200 in rental fees and a further US$200 as a security deposit.
The State alleges that Chikayikayi presented a fake national identity card and driver’s licence bearing his photograph but issued in the name of Tafadzwa Makina.
After taking possession of the vehicle, he allegedly forged a registration book and identity card bearing the name of the registered owner, Gift Gate, but displaying his own photograph.
He then allegedly attempted to sell the vehicle to Michael Moyo without the owner’s knowledge or consent.
Chikayikayi was arrested on November 8 while allegedly attempting to sell the stolen vehicle.
Police reportedly recovered a forged identity card bearing Gate’s name but displaying Chikayikayi’s photograph, together with a counterfeit vehicle registration book.
The State indicated that witnesses were available to testify against him.
Both vehicles were recovered, according to court documents.
