Online Reporter
Tendai Vambe
Weekender Reporter
A MUTARE man has been ordered to repay US$5 000 after selling a broken-down commuter omnibus that stopped working days after the sale.
The order was issued at the Mutare Civil Court by magistrate, Ms Purity Gumbo, following an application by Elton Shadreck for recovery of his money.
The court heard that the transaction took place on September 12, 2025, when Shadreck bought the kombi from Willard Masika, for an initial price of US$5 500, later negotiated down to US$5 000.
“We talked about it, and I pleaded with him to reduce it to US$5 000, and he agreed. After some days it stopped working, it broke down,” said Shadreck, adding that when he confronted Masika over the breakdown, they argued.
On March 18, 2026, they reached an out-of-court settlement in which Masika agreed to refund US$1 000 in instalments by April, but failed to honour it.
“He has not paid up to today and he has the omnibus with him,” said Shadreck.
In defence, Masika admitted owing the money, but pleaded financial hardship.
“I have problems, situations that I am dealing with. I am capable of paying US$750 per month, that is what I can afford,” said Masika.
After hearing submissions from both parties, Ms Gumbo ordered Masika to pay US$900 per month with effect from August 14, 2026 until the full US$5 000 is settled.
She warned that failure to comply will result in a warrant of arrest being issued against him.
