Online Reporter
Trish Mukwazo, [email protected]
A MAN who stole an Isuzu double cab belonging to Zanu-PF Council of Elders’ member and former Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Cde Angeline Masuku after hacking the driver with a machete leaving him for dead has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
The car was recovered two years later.
Enock Marange was before the sentence, already serving time at Khami Prison for a similar offence committed in Botswana.
In passing sentence, Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Matthew Mutiro said the offence was premeditated and committed in aggravating circumstances that could have led to the death of the complainant.
“The complainant suffered serious injuries and could have died. He was attacked with a machete on his left eye, which can no longer see,” said Mr Mutiro.
The prosecutor, Mr Jethro Mada told the court that the vehicle was stolen on September 7, 2022 after the driver Mr Petros Moyo parked it at an overnight parking, in Cowdray Park suburb.
The court heard that Mr Moyo was attacked by two machete-wielding men while walking home through a bushy area, after parking the vehicle.
“The complainant was holding a broom and he tried to defend himself by swinging it at Marange. However, one of the suspects tripped him, and he fell to the ground. They continued attacking him with machetes while demanding the car keys,” said Mr Mada.
Mr Moyo lost consciousness during the attack and the suspects searched him and took the car keys.
They then went back to the overnight parking area where they stole the vehicle and drove away. Mr Moyo later regained consciousness and was assisted by a good samaritan who took him to the police station to report the incident, the court heard.
Mr Moyo was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital where he was hospitalised for six days.
The car was recovered after detectives from the Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) in Harare and Bulawayo collaborated. The car was found with a Harare man who told the police that he bought the vehicle from Marange.
Mr Mada said initially, Marange denied knowledge of the vehicle but after interrogation he admitted to stealing the vehicle.
