Danisa Masuku, Court Reporter
A MAN who was part of a gang that conspired to steal a car for a joyride to a musical show has been convicted and sentenced to four years in jail.
Tinashe Nigel Bhunu (24) from Bulawayo’s Makokoba suburb appeared on Thursday for sentencing before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube on a charge of theft of a motor vehicle.
Bhunu was slapped with a six-year jail term. Two years were suspended on condition of good behaviour. The offender will effectively serve four years in jail.
In passing sentence, the magistrate said Bhunu had plunged the complainant into distress.
“You stole the car from the owner while he was enjoying himself at a musical show. Your actions plunged him into emotional distress and financial loss as he spent a lot of money looking for his car.
“You intended to plunge the complainant into financial loss. It was fortunate that you were caught,” said Mr Ncube.
His accomplices, Carlos Tadyiwa (24) and Blessed Mlilo, pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody until 3 November for commencement of trial.
Prosecuting, Ms Mufaro Ndirayire told the court that on October 11, 2026 at around 02:00 hours, the complainant, Johannes Tafara Toyendepi (28) of 3rd Avenue and Main Street in Bulawayo,
who is a supervisor at Trywheel Logistics, had parked his blue Honda Fit at ZITF in Bulawayo to attend a musical show.”
The complainant had secured the vehicle by closing all windows, locking the doors and taking the keys with him into the show,” said Ms Ndirayire.
The court heard that during his absence, the trio allegedly connived to steal the vehicle to go and enjoy themselves at the musical show. They used unknown means to start it and drove away unnoticed.
The complainant discovered the theft on the same day and made a report to the police.
Detectives from the Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) in Bulawayo carried out investigations, which led to the arrest of the three and the recovery of the vehicle, valued at US$5 000.
