Man steals Honda Fit, tries to sell it online

Danisa Masuku, Court Writer

A 28-year-old man from Bulawayo’s Nkulumane suburb who stole a Honda Fit and flaunted its pictures on social media has been jailed for six years. Thembalani Ncube appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Mark Dzira, facing a theft charge.

Mr Dzira convicted and sentenced him to six years’ imprisonment. Two years were suspended on condition he does not commit an offence involving dishonesty for which, if convicted, he would be sentenced without the option of a fine. Ncube will effectively serve four years.

In passing sentence, the magistrate noted that Ncube pleaded guilty, showing remorse and saving the court’s time. He also considered that Ncube was a first-time offender and that the stolen vehicle was recovered after being advertised for sale on Facebook and WhatsApp groups.

However, in aggravation, the court highlighted that Ncube was employed by Mr Nqobizitha Masuku as a taxi driver and had breached trust. The magistrate said the offence was premeditated, as Ncube used an unknown object to open the car door and started the ignition with spare keys he had hidden from his employer.

“He stole the car on October 10 and used it for pirating. He was arrested on November 22 after he splashed its images on WhatsApp and Facebook, advertising it for sale. It was out of sheer luck that the owner stumbled upon the images of his car on social media and informed detectives from the Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) to track the stolen car, leading to his arrest.

“In that regard, the court has concluded that the offender’s moral blameworthiness is very high. There was a relationship based on trust, and he was supposed to remain trustworthy, but he breached that trust. He has shown that he is a very ungrateful and heartless person,” said Mr Dzira.

Prosecuting, Ms Siphiwe Mhlanga said that on October 10, Mr Masuku from Nkulumane suburb in Bulawayo went to Makokoba suburb, where he met the offender. He discovered that the car had run out of fuel.

“Mr Masuku locked the car and left Ncube guarding it while he rushed to buy fuel at a nearby service station. The offender used duplicate keys and drove off in the car. When Mr Masuku returned, he was shocked to find that the car had disappeared. He tried to call Ncube on his mobile number, but the number was unreachable.

“He reported the matter to the police. On November 22, Mr Masuku stumbled upon images of his car being advertised on a WhatsApp group and Facebook. He then informed detectives from the VTS, who tracked the car, leading to Ncube’s arrest and the recovery of the vehicle,” said Ms Mhlanga.